High Court upholds acquittal, cites consent, lack evidence

A High Court has upheld a man's acquittal in a sexual assault case, emphasizing the woman’s consent and a lack of evidence. The woman accused the man of exploitation, claiming he made false promises of marriage. The case began when the woman met the man on Facebook between 2018 and 2019. They developed a romantic relationship, but she later alleged that he had exploited her sexually by not following through with his marriage promises. After the lower court acquitted him, she appealed to the High Court. The High Court agreed with the lower court’s decision, stating that the woman was an adult and had consensually participated in the relationship. The judges noted that there was insufficient evidence to support her claims. The trial court pointed out that medical examinations showed no signs of pregnancy, and forensic tests did not reveal any evidence of assault. The High Court found no substantial reasons to change the acquittal. It stated that in criminal cases, the presumption of innocence remains strong for someone who has been acquitted. The judges reiterated that without solid proof, the acquittal should stand.