The defendant Micheal Ward stood trial on a charge of rape. During the proceedings he told the jury that the sexual encounter with the alleged victim had been wholly consensual.
The prosecution had argued that consent was absent and presented witness testimony and other evidence to support the charge. After several days of deliberation, the jury considered the facts presented by both sides.
The court ultimately concluded that the prosecution had not met the burden of proof and returned a not guilty verdict. The acquittal means that Ward is not criminally liable for the alleged offence.