Victim forgives husband

TRIAL of a man accused of  attempted murder was abruptly halted yesterday when the virtual complainant — the accused man’s former common-law wife — told the court she forgave him for the alleged crime and did not want to proceed in the matter. Before leaving the San Fernando Assizes, however, Robert St Louis was warned by Justice Anthony Carmona to use the second chance afforded to him, wisely. Carmona also said love was the only weapon that should be used when dealing with women. “The magistrate was of the view that you committed a very serious offence, but I hope your move from now on is totally positive.

“The only weapon when dealing with women is love and this is not restricted to women, but to other members of society. “You have been given a golden opportunity and I hope you make the best of it,” the judge told St Louis. “Always remember the decency of a woman who has decided to give you a chance,” Carmona added. The judge’s warning and advice arose when Cheryl-Ann Rae stated under oath she no longer wished to give evidence against St Louis in a case arising out of an incident on March 13 2003 in San Fernando.

State attorney Alexander Prince asked Rae if she was threatened, had promises made to her or was forced not to give evidence, to which she replied, “No.” She explained to the court she decided to give St Louis, her former common-law husband, a second chance with his life. “I wanted him out of my home and I got that, so he can go on with his life and I can go on with mine,” Rae said. Prince told the judge that given Rae’s decision not to testify, the State could not proceed further with the case. On instructions from Carmona, the nine-member jury returned a not-guilty verdict against the accused and the judge told St Louis he was free to go.