Man found not guilty of raping, engaging in sexual activity with 12-Y-O girl

A man who was on trial for raping and engaging in sexual activity with a 12-year-old girl was found not guilty as charged by a jury Thursday afternoon.

It was alleged that Wedson Thomas called ‘Dollius’ between March 1 and 31, 2019, in the county of Essequibo, engaged in sexual penetration with a child of 12 years. It was further alleged on March 21, 2019, he engaged in sexual activity with the underage girl, by kissing her on her lips.

The prosecution contended that at around 17:00h on March 21, 2019, the girl went to a shop to make a purchase.

While there, she saw Thomas, who, the prosecution contended, held onto her hands, pushed her into the shop’s counter and kissed her on her lips.

According to the prosecution, another time during March 2019, the minor was at home alone when she heard someone whistling.

As such, she went into the backyard where she saw Thomas. The two of them began conversing during which he asked her “for sex”, the prosecution argued. When she refused, the prosecution contended that Thomas held onto her hands, pulled down her pants and underwear and raped her.

Thomas was on trial for the offences before Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry who is presiding at the Demerara Sexual Offences Court.

He was represented by Attorney-at-law Madan Kissoon while State Counsel Nafeeza Baig in association with State Counsel Muntaz Ali appeared for the prosecution.