For the first time in more than a month, Roman Catholic priest Fr Enel Almeus calmly walked out of the Hall of Justice, Port-of-Spain, with a smile on his face. He had been acquitted of a rape charge, about ten minutes before.
Every time Almeus arrived or left the courthouse, he had been on the lookout for media cameras. But after the jury's verdict yesterday, he walked out with his lawyers, Desmond Allum, SC, Rajiv Persad and John Heath. When asked if he had anything to say, Almeus responded, "No comment." Almeus, of the Holy Ghost Fathers, went on trial on June 8, charged with having sexual intercourse with the woman without her consent. The trial was before Justice Andre Mon Desir in the Port-of-Spain Sixth Criminal Court. It had been held in camera, away from the media and the public, in accordance with the Sexual Offences Act.
It was alleged that Almeus committed the offence on March 19, 2004, at St Mary's College, Port-of-Spain, where the priest teaches and lives. Almeus, originally from Haiti, went on trial for an offence of rape. The trial was conducted before the nine-member panel of jurors and two alternates. Several witnesses, including police complainant Corporal Emrol Bruce, testified for the prosecution led by Israel Khan, SC, with assistance from attorney Debra James. The priest went into the witness box and made his defence. He also called witnesses, including another priest. After the evidence was adduced, both Allum and Khan addressed the jury last Friday. Justice Mon Desir did not start his summation on Monday as planned.
He started on Wednesday and completed it at 12.47 pm yesterday when the jury retired to consider the verdict. The jury deliberated for two-and-a-half hours and returned with the not guilty verdict. When the jury returned to the courtroom, they found a nearly full public gallery comprising members of the media, court staff and police officers. There was no one in support of the priest.
Almeus stood still when the foreman delivered the verdict. The priest stared at the judge who told him he was free to go. He glanced at the alleged victim and then calmly exited the courtroom. He waited in the foyer of the court for his lawyers. The alleged victim cried as she was consoled by her husband, who was in court everyday. The judge thanked the lawyers for their assistance in the trial.
