Crime
Man Collapses in Court Minutes After Acquittal in Rape Trial
Shawn Antonio Holder collapses in court after being acquitted by jury of rape charges following four years on remand. Emotional scene as he thanks jury and judge before leaving.
1 min read
Originally published by barbadostoday.bb (opens in new tab)
Seconds after Justice Pamela Beckles told him he was free to go, Shawn Antonio Holder collapsed in the dock, prompting loud gasps in the No. 5 Supreme Court.
The drama unfolded on Monday afternoon as a nine-member jury acquitted Holder after just over an hour of deliberations.
Holder of King William Street, The City, had spent four years on remand after being accused of raping a woman on November 8, 2016.
As police, prison and court officials ran to his aid, a grateful and teary-eyed Holder got to his knees and sent praises heavenward before thanking the jury and the judge and walking out of court.
Attorney Shadia Simpson represented Holder, while Principal State Counsel Olivia Davis prosecuted the case.
