Robbery, rape accused for new trial -after hung jury

Robbery under arms accused Shawn Barrow will face another trial at the next sitting of the High Court in Demerara after a jury last week failed to reach a verdict.

Barrow appeared before Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards to answer to charges including three counts of robbery under arms, unlawful wounding and rape.

State Counsel Judy Latchman submitted that Barrow, on June 3, 2005, robbed a family on the East Bank. Barrow allegedly chopped a male occupant of the home, raped a female occupant and carted off jewellery, clothing, cash and a laptop computer. The prosecution also submitted medical records as evidence.

Legal Aid Counsel Gary Best and Nigel Hawke, who represented Barrow, led an alibi defence. Barrow said he was never at the home on the day in question but was at home with his family.

Barrow’s alleged victims testified that he was at their home and told the jury about their ordeal.