Boat operator Brian Alberts who was accused of raping a woman on New Year’s Day at Yarakita North West District, back in 2016 was set free after a jury acquitted him yesterday afternoon.
Following hours of deliberations, the 11-member jury returned a unanimous verdict, finding Alberts not guilty of the charge which had stated that he sexually penetrated the woman without her consent.
After the verdict was announced, trial Judge Priya Sewnarine-Beharry informed Alberts who attended the hearing virtually that he would be free to go.
The prosecution’s case reported by the complainant was that on the day in question she was out and consumed “local wine,” following which she fell asleep.
The woman’s story had then been that she awoke to someone pressing against her body and discovered it to have been Alberts; who she said was between her legs sexually penetrating her.
The court had then heard that she pushed him off and he ran away.
Alberts was represented by defence attorney Teriq Mohammed.
The trial proceedings were conducted in-camera at the Sexual Offences Court of the High Court in Demerara.
