A San Fernando jury wasted no time on Thursday in returning a not guilty verdict in favour of Moruga construction worker charged with raping a teenager eight years ago.
Donneil Joseph, 33, went on trial earlier this month in the San Fernando High Court before Justice David Harris and a nine-member jury for alleged raping the girl.
However, after the judge summed up the case, the jury opted to remain in their seats and give their verdict right away.
The victim had testified that she knew Joseph prior to the rape, but was not in a relationship with him. She said on the day of the incident on January 23, 2007 she went with Joseph and her two friends to a house in Gran Chemin where he raped her.
State attorney Maria Lyons also called her mother, two sisters and the police complainant Cpl Renold Ramdial to give evidence.
She also formally admitted the evidence of three police witnesses.
Joseph, in his evidence, denied raping the girl. He said they had been in a relationship for a year and eight months.
Joseph, who was represented by attorney Lisa Singh-Phillip, also called two witnesses to give evidence on his behalf.