August 16, 2024

A teacher was acquitted of indecency charges by the St. Catherine Parish Court on Friday based on inconsistencies in the prosecution’s allegations.

The 58-year-old accused was defended by lawyer Walter Melbourne, who told the court his client was not guilty and that the prosecution had failed to establish a prima facie case.

Presiding Judge Desiree Alleyne agreed, saying there were inconsistencies and discrepancies in the charges and therefore the court could not summon the defendant to answer the charges.

The accused teacher was then told he was free to leave.

It is alleged that on November 26, 2022, the defendant hugged and kissed the 11-year-old complainant and lifted her clothes while at a primary school in St. Catherine.

Police reported the case to the Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigation Centre, who subsequently arrested the teacher and charged him.

He made several court appearances before being released on Friday.

– Rusbert Turner

Follow The Gleaner on X and Instagram @JamaicaGleaner and on Facebook @GleanerJamaica. Send us a message via WhatsApp at 1-876-499-0169 or email us at onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com or editors@gleanerjm.com.