By PAVEL BAILEY
Tribune Staff Reporter
pbailey@tribunemedia.net
NORTH Abaco MP Kirk Cornish expressed relief and gratitude yesterday after being acquitted of rape and assault charges, calling it the close of one of the most “difficult chapters” of his life.
After deliberating for under two hours, a nine-member jury, consisting of eight women and one man, unanimously found Mr Cornish not guilty of two counts of rape and one count of assault.
They returned a 6-3 not guilty verdict on two additional charges of assault and threats of death.
Upon hearing the acquittal, a crowd of supporters erupted in cheers.
Justice Renae McKay, who presided over the three-week trial, thanked the jury for their service and acquitted Cornish on all charges. This was the second jury to hear evidence in the matter, after the first jury was dismissed in May after one member was reported to have a connection with the leader of the opposition.
Following the verdict, Mr Cornish cheerfully embraced family members and supporters. Although he did not speak to the media as he left the court, a triumphant smile remained on his face.
In a press statement, Mr Cornish thanked his legal team and expressed relief at the outcome, while also renewing his commitment to the people of North Abaco and acknowledging their steadfast support.
“Today, I am blessed to turn the page on what has been the most difficult chapter of my life,” he said.
“To the people of North Abaco, I want you to know how deeply I appreciate your support. Your faith in me, even through these challenges, has been a profound source of strength, and I am truly humbled by the belief you’ve shown.”
Mr Cornish also pledged to continue serving with humility, determination, and gratitude, “doing all I can to serve our nation and honour the trust you have placed in me”.
The prosecution, led by Timothy Bailey, argued that the complainant had been “bullied and battered” by Cornish.
However, the defence, consisting of Owen Wells, Tai Pinder-Mackey, and Linique Murphy Grant, argued the case was marked by “inconsistencies” from the start.
During closing arguments, the defence characterised the complainant as a “liar” and a “woman scorned”.
Mr Wells expressed satisfaction with the verdict, saying the team was pleased the jurors had carefully considered the evidence and reached a decision.
North Eleuthera MP Sylvanus Petty, part of Cornish’s entourage as he left court, said: “There is no winner in this; I’m just happy that it’s over for both sides.”
Progressive Liberal Party chairman Fred Mitchell echoed similar sentiments, adding: “We simply thank the jury for their work and due diligence in sifting through the evidence and finding the facts. We are also thankful to the legal team led by Ms Tai Pinder for their representation of the member.”
Comments
joeblow 5 days, 9 hours ago
... was he cleared because he was not guilty or for some other "non-political" reason? How many "members of the jury" were PLP's? Just askin' questions, after all, this is the Bahamas!
Future 5 days, 7 hours ago
They need to send that non-truth telling girl to jail. SLANDER. The crime of being put in jail or fined for telling the truth about a person. SHE GUILTY. Someone supposed to go to jail
Future 5 days, 7 hours ago
They never said that he is innocent. He was ‘cleared of all the charges’ therefore he is “not guilty”, but innocent is a question unanswered. Throw that woman in jail and teach the peasants who to don’t mess with
TalRussell 5 days, 5 hours ago
Then there's the other surprise possibility, -- Considering that North Abaco, -- Along with Central and South Abaco House-seated MPs' -- In need of replacement, not repair. -- Plus --- There is mounting talk of a family member of "Papa" Hubert clan -- Getting into the mix for the Cooper's Town Settlements -- Done "Papa" Clan ready, -- Should there be a sudden drop for a December 2024 By Election Writ. -- Yes?
rosiepi 5 days, 3 hours ago
I find it horrific that anyone would believe that victims of rape and/sexual assault would willingly, deliberately put themselves-and their families through such a public ordeal based on a lie. This is humiliating, this tears you apart and it’s so scary. You know your neighbors friends etc might not believe you despite the fact they know all too well that ‘what goes on behind closed doors’ is seldom recognized in the public persona. It takes a brave soul to embark on this journey because they know the odds, yet still they act upon their conscience, something their rapist, their abuser knows naught. Bravo!
Porcupine 5 days, 2 hours ago
Any surprises? Nah
TalRussell 5 days ago
If you destroy trust in the justice system, then that's how you're answering "Thee Mr. Minnis's -- Call to purge. -- Yes?
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