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A 32-year-old man accused of continuing to have sex with a woman when she withdrew her consent has been found not guilty of rape following a Royal Court trial.
Ruben Miguel Rodrigues De Freitas always denied the charge and a separate count of failing to provide the police with the PIN number for his mobile phone, and the jury was unanimous in its verdict.
During the three-day trial, Crown Advocate Mike Preston, prosecuting, argued that the woman’s evidence had been “consistent and credible”.
However Advocate Stephen Wauchope, defending, said: “There is no forensic evidence that Mr De Freitas was ever in her bedroom or that sexual intercourse with her happened.
"There were no hair, skin cells or traces of him in her bedroom whatever.”
Mr De Freitas had left a t-shirt and jumper in the woman’s home, but the advocate added that the defendant had spilt drinks over himself while there.
He suggested: “That might be why at one stage he needed to change his shirt.”
The Deputy Bailiff, Robert MacRae, was presiding.
Islanders affected by any of the issues raised in this report can contact any of the following:
SARC at Dewberry House provides expert independent and confidential support to victims of sexual abuse. Tel: 01534 888222.
Jersey Action Against Rape (JAAR) provide and maintain a supporting framework for survivors and their families. Confidential helpline: 01534 482800.
Freeda (formerly Jersey Women’s Refuge) offer help and support for victims of domestic abuse. Tel: 0800 7356836.
Jersey Domestic Abuse Support (JDAS) is an independent service developed to protect and support victims of domestic and sexual abuse. Tel: 01534 880505.
Victim Support offer free and confidential advice to victims of crime. Tel: 01534 440496.
Victims First Jersey is a free and independent service offering confidential support to victims and witnesses of crime. Tel: 0800 7351612.
Samaritans offer a confidential and non-judgemental listening ear to people who need to talk. Tel: 116 123 free from any phone or 0330 094 5717 (local call charges apply).
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