Teacher accused of kissing 11-y-o and lifting her dress freed

A teacher was freed of an indecent assault charge on Friday in the St Catherine Parish Court, based on discrepancies in the Crown's case.

The 58-year-old accused was defended by attorney-at-law Walter Melbourne, who told the court  that his client was not guilty and that the Crown had failed to established a prima facie case.

Presiding judge, Desiree Alleyne, agreed and said there were inconsistencies and discrepancies that would not allow the court to call upon the accused to answer the charge.

The accused teacher was then told that he was free to go. 

It was alleged that on November  26, 2022, the accused was at a St Catherine-based primary school when he allegedly hugged and kissed the 11-year-old complainant and lifted up her dress.

A report was made to the Centre for Investigation of Sexual Offences and Child Abuse and the teacher was subsequently arrested and charged.

He made numerous court appearances before being freed on Friday.

- Rasbert Turner

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