Accused in rape of girl, 8, found not guilty

A jury on Monday afternoon acquitted Ezera Percival of raping and engaging in sexual activity with an eight-year-old girl.
By a unanimous verdict, the mixed 12-member jury found Percival, a 43-year-old construction worker, not guilty of the charge that stated that he engaged in sexual penetration with the minor between January 1 and 27, 2022, in Demerara.

The panel also decided that he was not guilty of engaging in sexual activity with the young girl between the aforementioned dates by a vote of 10-2. The jurors deliberated for a little over two hours.
The trial proceedings were held in-camera at the Sexual Offences Court of the Supreme Court in Demerara and presided over by Justice Jo-Ann Barlow. The accused was represented by Attorney-at-Law Adrian Thompson.
The State was represented by several State Counsel, including Rbina Christmas.