A young man accused of raping a three-year-old girl walked out of the Sexual Offences Court a free man yesterday afternoon after a jury returned a majority verdict, acquitting him of the crime.
The 12-member jury, by a proportion of 10 to two, found Conway Grey not guilty of raping the child on June 19th, 2015.
In her admonition to the visibly-relieved Grey, Justice Jo-Ann Barlow, who presided over the trial, told him to use the opportunity to ensure that he never again finds himself in similar circumstances that would warrant him being placed before a court.
While noting that he had been found not guilty and was therefore free to go, Justice Barlow said that she was nevertheless challenging his lawyer, Maxwell McKay, to continue providing support and guidance to him to ensure that he stay out of trouble.
The judge also ordered the prosecution to ensure that whatever counselling services were being offered to the virtual complainant continue.
The trial proceedings were held in-camera.
