Berbice man acquitted after sexual offence charge

A Berbice man who was accused of a sexual offence has been acquitted after the complainant declined to testify in court.

Deochand Somar, 41, of Smithfield Village, New Amsterdam, Berbice, appeared before Justice Deborah Kumar at the Berbice High Court. The court was told that on November 1st, 2010, Somar engaged in sexual penetration with a 14-year-old girl in Berbice.

Represented by Attorney Chandra Sohan, Somar pleaded not guilty to the charge. State Prosecutor Marisa Edwards read the charge.

A 12-member jury was sworn in and fully prepared to hear the case. The jurors were tasked with listening to the evidence and rendering a verdict of guilty or not guilty. Seven witnesses, including the virtual complainant and two police officers, were scheduled to testify.

However, the proceedings took a turn when the virtual complainant indicated her unwillingness to testify and requested that the matter be discontinued.  Justice Kumar subsequently informed the jury of the decision, and the case was discontinued.

As a result, Somar was acquitted and discharged from the charge.