By LAMECH JOHNSON
Tribune Staff Reporter
ljohnson@tribunemedia.net
PROCEEDINGS have been discontinued against a man awaiting trial concerning the alleged sexual assault against a four-year-old child.
O’Neil Ferguson, 29, was due to stand trial in November before Senior Justice Stephen Isaacs stemming from a reported assault on the girl, now eight, on July 21, 2012.
However the matter did not start as the question of whether the complainant was fit to give sworn testimony in court had arisen.
The case was further adjourned to December 6 for a status hearing.
When the matter was called yesterday, prosecutor Rosalee Ferguson presented a nolle prosequi signed by the attorney general asking that the charge be discontinued against Ferguson.
Ian Cargill, lawyer for the accused, was also served with the document, as was Senior Justice Isaacs.
The Office of the Attorney General could bring the case against Ferguson again at any time in the Supreme Court, but it is unlikely.
Ferguson, who was on bail, had denied the allegation since his formal arraignment in the Supreme Court in May 2013.
A person tried and conviction of unlawful sexual intercourse faces between seven years to life imprisonment.
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