Jury fails to arrive at verdict in rape trial

After deliberating for three hours, a San Fernando jury yesterday failed to arrive at a verdict in two rape allegations against a Williamsville father. Justice Andre Mon Desir ordered that Krishna Ramnath, 38, of Ben Lomond Village, who is charged with raping a 14-year-old girl twice in 2000, should face a retrial at the San Fernando Assizes.  

The judge placed the matter on the next cause list in October. State attorney Sabrina Dougdeen opened the State’s case against Ramnath in July in the Third Assizes. She led evidence from five witnesses. The State’s case was that between February 6 and 12, 2000, the girl was carrying water to her home when the accused insisted that he help her.

It is alleged that he grabbed her and raped her in her mother’s bedroom. It is alleged that the second incident took place between February 23 and March 3, 2000, at her home. Ramnath, who was represented by attorney Ramesh Deena, did not take the witness stand or call witnesses. However, in a statement to the police, he admitted to having sex with her but said it was with her consent. He was charged by Sgt Derek Matthew Noel.