Farmer accused of raping girl, 13, found not guilty

A 37-year-old farmer was set free by the Demerara High Court on Monday after a jury acquitted him of raping a 13-year-old girl in 2016.

Eric Scotland of Cottage, Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara, was on trial before Justice Brassington Reynolds.

Scotland was on trial for allegedly engaging in sexual penetration with the 13-year-old girl on November 27, 2016, in the county of Demerara.  He was represented by attorney-at-law, Bernard DaSilva, while the State was represented by prosecutors Nafeeza Baig and Sarah Martin.

Justice Reynolds told Scotland that this was the closest he should want to come to a life sentence and to consider it a second chance.

“Take the opportunity to go on with your life in a way that will bring honour and glory to the God that you serve,” the Judge stated.

In his defence, Scotland contended that the victim’s story was fabricated; he claimed she was a rebellious child who constantly needed to be disciplined.