Man acquitted of rape and abduction

The dark cloud that has been lingering over Recoldo Samuel’s head for the past two years has finally been removed.{{more}} Samuel, a labourer, of Kingstown, walked away a free man from the High Court on Tuesday morning after he was found not guilty of a rape and abduction charge.

Under the direction of the trial judge, Justice Frederick Bruce-Lyle, the nine-member mixed jury returned a formal verdict of not guilty on both counts after the virtual complainant in the matter failed to appear in court.

The prosecution, led by Duane Daniel, indicated to the court that prior to the case being called, the virtual complainant in the matter said she wished to offer no evidence in the matter against Samuel.

It was said that Samuel, by force, compelled the woman to go from Hospital Road to Fort Charlotte on July 6, 2005. While there, it was alleged that Samuel had unlawful sexual intercourse with the virtual complainant.