Rapist who married victim acquitted

By D. G. Sugathapala   

An accused who stood indicted with the abduction and rape of a 16 year old girl was acquitted by Galle High Court Judge Kavindya Nanayakkara when the Defence Counsel and the police informed court that the victim and the accused were married and parents of a child.   

The Attorney General had indicted him on charges of abduction and rape of a 16 year old girl.   Prosecution had told court that he had abducted her on July 5 at Yakkalamulla and raped her at Medawachchiya and Akuressa areas.  

However, the High Court Judge who considered the submissions of the defence acquitted the accused. After the acquittal, the couple left the court with their child. 

Attorney at Law Shiranthi Godagama defended.