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the accused rape the victim. The victim is supposed to be the star
witness for the prosecution. All the exhibits tendered in this case were
supposed to be in corroboration of her evidence. In the absence of her
evidence, there was therefore nothing to be corroborated. The need
and duty of the prosecution to call all material witnesses or make
them available to the defence was emphasized in the Gambian Court
of Appeal case of MARENA V. THE STATE (1960-1993) GLR 396. These
lapses have proved fatal to the prosecution as they have created
serious doubts in my mind whether the accused can be said to be the
person that defiled the victim.
I will not border myself to address the other issues as it would be an
exercise in futility.
Having already held that the available evidence raises serious doubts
in my mind, I shall proceed in line with the settled position of the law
to resolve these doubts in favour of the accused person. The accused
person is accordingly discharge and acquitted.
EMMANUEL A. NKEA
JUDGE
ISSUED AT BANJUL, UNDER THE SEAL OF THE COURT AND THE HAND
OF THE PRESIDING JUDGE THIS 15th DAY OF NOVEMBER 2011
............................
REGISTRAR