Welder Troy Jones called “Curry” has been discharged of an allegation which had been leveled against him for raping a woman who says that she no longer wants to proceed with the matter against him.
The matter had been empaneled for trial, but when it was called yesterday, the complainant indicated to the court that she no longer wanted to offer evidence against her alleged rapist.
Both Justice Sandil Kissoon and Prosecutor Caressa Henry enquired from the woman whether she was being forced not to continue with the matter; or she was making the decision of her free will.
She confirmed the latter.
In the circumstances, Justice Kissoon formally directed the jury to return a verdict of not guilty.
Before allowing the former accused to leave the courtroom, the Judge drew to his attention that at no time did the complainant recant her story of what he is alleged to have done to her, but only said that she no longer wanted to proceed.
“You have been given a second lease on life,” Justice Kissoon told a visibly relieved Jones.
To what end that would serve Jones, the Judge said he does not know, but advised him not find himself being before any other court or being needed by police ever again.
The indictment against Jones who was 36 years old at the time, was that he sexually penetrated the then 38-year-old woman without her consent on October 24th, 2020.
Jones was being represented by defence attorney Ravindra Mohabir.
The matter was called at the Sexual Offences Court of the High Court in Demerara.
