Diamond man freed of rape charge

An accountant on Tuesday walked out of the Demerara High Court a free man after a jury acquitted him of raping a 20-year-old woman.

Samuel Whaul of Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara, was on trial before Justice Jo-Ann Barlow; he was acquitted after the jury delivered a unanimous not guilty verdict. He was also found not guilty of the alternative count of sexual offence.

Whaul was on trial for allegedly engaging in sexual penetration the 20-year-old on October 25, 2018.  The State was represented by prosecutors Sarah Martin and Nafeeza Baig, while Whaul was represented by attorney-at-law, Adrian Thompson.

Reports indicated that Whaul and the victim communicated on Facebook and on the day in question, they met at Quality Plus Fast Foods and Bakery at Hinck Street, Georgetown, after which they then went to Demico for ice cream and then to the Promenade Gardens.

While there, it is alleged that Whaul told the victim to sit on his lap and at that time, he tried to unbutton her pants, damaging the button in the process. It was alleged that he grabbed her by the neck, shoved his hand into her pants and penetrated her with his finger. It was alleged that the victim tried to fight him off and they fell on the ground.

The woman reportedly sought the help of some men who were playing basketball nearby during which Whaul allegedly escaped. The matter was reported to the police and Whaul was later arrested.