THIRTY-FOUR year old ice cream vendor, Michael Hutchinson, shed tears of relief after he was cleared of carnal abuse charges in the St James Circuit Court on Wednesday.

The jury deliberated for 45 minutes before returning a unanimous verdict of not guilty.

The Mount Carey man initially smiled after hearing the verdict, but later cried uncontrollably in the arms of his relatives.

Hutchinson had been accused of sexually assaulting a young girl at her home on June 16 of last year. Allegations were that Hutchinson, who was at a house with the complainant and other family members, reportedly followed her into the kitchen where he took off her clothes and sexually assaulted her.

On Wednesday, the allegations could not be proven and he was freed.

However, a 17 year old teenager who is accused of sexually abusing a six year old girl was remanded in custody when he appeared in the Montego Bay Resident Magistrate’s Court later that day.

Dwayne Thomas, of Bogue in St James, is facing carnal abuse charges and is to be interviewed to ascertain whether he qualifies for legal aid.

Allegations are that on January 2 the complainant was playing with her friends near the Bogue Hill All Age School when Thomas called her over onto the school compound and sexually assaulted her.

A 12-year-old girl reportedly witnessed the assault and gave a statement to the police.

In court Wednesday, judge Paulette Williams ordered that Thomas’ parents be brought to court when the matter comes up for mention again on January 15.