Derry teacher acquitted of rape charges

Published on 22/05/2012 17:10

A Derry teacher has been cleared of raping a 14-year-old girl.

Stewart Robert Smith, of Winchester Park, was unanimously acquitted of each of the four charges he faced.

The 39-year-old denied three charges of rape and one of indecent assault alleged to have been committed between December 1, 2002 and August 31, 2003.

Following a six day trial, a Derry Crown Court jury deliberated for over an hour before delivering their unanimous not guilty verdicts this evening.

The complainant left the courtroom in tears when Smith was acquitted.

Judge Stephen Fowler thanked the jury for their careful deliberation in the case and told Smith he was free to go.

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Derry teacher acquitted of rape charges

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