A MAN facing a rape and buggery/unnatural sex charge at the High Court has been acquitted yesterday after the girl changed her story.
This would be the second rape case this month that has been acquitted because the alleged victim decided to change her story.
The matter was listed for trial before Chief Justice Sir Albert Palmer.
Public Prosecutor Florence Joel before the start of the trial told the court that prosecution had decided to enter a nolleprosequi (to no longer prosecute) on the case due to insufficient evidence.
This was because the girl confirmed consenting to the offence.
A nolleprosequi in effect will result in only the discharge of the accused, which he can be charged later if there are sufficient evidences against him.
Chris Rarumae of Public Solicitor’s Office, who represented Dennis Meiya, however said his client wants to be acquitted.
He then asked if the matter can go through a trial and if so at the end of the prosecution case can make a no case to answer submission.
But Ms Joel however, said prosecution is not in the position to call witnesses in the case.
She said bringing the witnesses won’t prove the charge, which is why they decided on the nolleprosequi.
Sir Albert said the circumstance in this case is different, entering a nolle on the basis of insufficient evidence.
He then made an order to acquit the accused Dennis Meiya in relation to the offences dated back to 2008 at Lata.
Earlier this month, the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) Ronald Bei Talasasa called on alleged victims of rape to be honest and truthful when attending to police stations.
“It is now quite common for alleged victims of rape or other sexual forms of violence to retract from their earlier versions and saying the acts were consensual,” Mr Talasasa had said.
He added it takes a lot of resources for the Police and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions to carry out investigations and prosecutions of matters.
“If someone has harmed you in anyway, then report it and stick to that.
“We have come across instances when complainants changed the version of their story to make it clearer or to say police got it wrong somehow.
“We have come across instances when complainants changed the version of their story to make it clearer or to say police got it wrong somehow.
“That is understood. But to deliberately lie to the police is not going to be tolerated.”
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN
