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Ricky Callwood freed!

January 20th, 2012 | Tags: freed Local Court of Appeal rape Ricky Callwood
Callwood is photographed here hugging relatives moments after he was freed this morning, January 20, 2012. Photo: Aneka Edwards/VINO
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - Ricky Callwood five year rape conviction and sentencing were quashed in the Court of Appeal on Friday morning, January 20, 2012.

The Court of appeal found that the trial Judge Suzie d'Auvergne did did not properly put the defense’s case to the jury and the credibility of the Virtual Complainant (VC) was questionable.

He was found guilty of the sexual related offense on April 2010 in the High Court. The verdict was 7-2.

The JVD resident was arrested and charged after the VC told investigating officers that he raped her on September 15, 2007 at his White Bay residence. She had visited the home to collect some mutton.

During the trial, the jurors heard that Callwood grabbed her and pushed her on a sofa. It was revealed that the VC was wearing a short skirt and the two began to struggle and ended with the convicted man raping her.

Shocked over the incident, the VC later informed her boyfriend who was in St. Thomas at the time. The matter was reported on September 17, 2007 to Police.

His lawyer was Anthea Smith, while the Crown's team comprised Crown Counsels Christilyn Benjamin and Leslie Ann Faulkner.

10 Responses to “Ricky Callwood freed!”

  • free at last (20/01/2012, 12:01) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Seems like all the cases don by the judges getting over turned..well saw!
    • billy b (20/01/2012, 14:56) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      No, this is more like, incompetent prosecutors
      • for real (21/01/2012, 07:55) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        i will be watching to see if they will renew the DPP contract! a local could have never get away with such incompetent...
  • sad for all (20/01/2012, 12:13) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    there could never be any winner in this...my heart goes out to the victim and Mr. Collowood...its sad all around...
  • Crank Shaft (20/01/2012, 12:48) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Rape is a dangerous thing! A woman can point fingers with no evidence except her word and a man's name is stained forever. It's very unfair!! VERY! I remember this case and she said the man bend her over, put on a condom then rape her from behind. Now do the math, if you're struggling and a man have you bent over, what the hell? I heard a different version of the story which would make you realize why she would call rape. Anyway I wasn't there, but men becareful! The Law is written in women's favour as it relates to rape, domestic violence etc. All they have to do is say you do it and you get what the duck get. Callwood boy I hope you use your second chance wisely and don't let no woman come by you for no mutton again!
    • Hello (20/01/2012, 13:15) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Crankshaft...your are sooo right; it seems as if you heard the same version that I am aware off! The supposed victem in this case tarnished not only Mr. Callwoods reputation but raises a doubt for all other victems of rape that sincerely come forward against their perpetrators!
  • egg face (20/01/2012, 15:35) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    only gods know what realy happen
  • x out (20/01/2012, 17:43) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    so there is one man who did not get fat at balsum guth..he ha
  • critic (20/01/2012, 21:19) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    its sounds like most of the men up balsum ghut innocent?
  • Sad again (21/01/2012, 09:57) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I am beginning to question this Court of Appeal who is made up of mediocre judges. Justice D'aucergne is one of the best criminal judges they had. Just like justice Charles. I do not like what this court of appeal is doing. It's all because they have no respect for the DPP. They know that Terrence will challenge them all the way to the Privy Council so they won't do this foolishness.


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