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St Catherine bus conductor freed of sex crimes involving teen girl

Published:Wednesday | July 31, 2024 | 8:04 PM
The man had maintained his innocence throughout his court appearances.

A bus conductor who was accused of having sexual intercourse with a teen girl was on Wednesday freed in the St Catherine Parish Court.

Heron Byfield was charged with having sexual intercourse with someone under age 16, sexual grooming of a child, and grievous sexual assault.

In court, it was argued that a prima facie case could not be made as the statement in the matter does not clearly state if the alleged offence occurred before or after the complainant reached age 16.

As a result, the accused, who hails from Grove Farm in Bushy Park, St Catherine was freed by the presiding judge.

Allegations were that the complainant was reported missing by her parents in January 2024.

In May, the complainant, who ran away from home, was found in the company of the accused.

He was arrested by members of the Centre for Investigation of Sexual Offences and Child Abuse following an interview.

He had maintained his innocence throughout his court appearances.

- Rasbert Turner

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