was to open its defence but chose not to call any witness. On account of that both parties filled written addresses and the case was adjourned for judgement which I now deliver. The prosecution in its address submitted that the burden of proving its case beyond reasonable doubt lies on them. In doing so the prosecution referred to Section 127 (1) of the Criminal Code Cap 10 Vol. III Laws of The Gambia 1990. In her submission, Mrs Woods submitted that in order to ground a conviction, the prosecution has to prove the following ingredients of the offence charged:1. That there was carnal knowledge of a girl; 2. That the act was unlawful; 3. That the girl was under sixteen years; and 4. That the act was that of the accused person. Mrs Woods formulated the following issues for determination:1. Whether there was carnal knowledge of PW1; 2. Whether the act of carnal knowledge was by the accused person; 3. Whether the act was unlawful; 4. Whether the victim was under sixteen years of age; 5. Whether the prosecution has proved its case beyond reasonable doubt; and 13