Hung jury in rape trial against Zeelugt man

A 27-year-old businessman who was indicted at the Sexual Offences Court for allegedly raping a 13-year-old girl in 2012, will have to face another trial after jurors were unable to reach a verdict following almost four hours of deliberating in the High Court Thursday.

Romal Jewan of Zeelugt, East Bank Essequibo was on trial before Justice Simone Morris-Ramlall

It is alleged that he raped the child on September 7, 2012, in the county of Essequibo. Jewan had pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Justice Morris-Ramlall told Jewan that he will have to face another trial at the next practical sitting of the Demerara Assizes. He will remain on bail.

The businessman was represented by Attorneys-at-law Paula and Brandon DaSantos , while the State’s case was presented by prosecutor Tariq Mohammed.