Rape allegations

The 70-year-old had always denied the accusations, made by a young French actress last year.

The prosecutor's office said the investigators were not able to stand up the allegations.

Mr Depardieu is one of France's most recognisable actors, and has starred in films such as Cyrano de Bergerac and Jean de Florette.

The accuser claimed the alleged crimes had occurred last August in one of Mr Depardieu's Paris residences when she was 22 years old, French media reported at the time.

The trial against Nigel Kipma commenced at the Waigani National Court on 10 August 2016.

Almost two years later, he was acquitted from allegations that he abducted and continuously raped the teenager at the Institute of Public Administration residential area.

She was 16 years old at the time. The alleged incident took place between Dec 10 and Dec 15, 2010, when he was 20 years old then. 

They were in a relationship at the time of the incident.

However, the state alleged that no consent was given by the victim during the time of the offense.

At the close of the State’s evidence, lawyer representing Douglas Ross of Otahuhu, New Zealand and Stella Teha Pia of Hula, Central Province moved a no-case submission, asking the court to dismiss the allegations against them half way through the trial on the basis they have no case to answer to.

They moved the application asking trial Judge, Justice Panuel Mogish to dismiss the case saying the prosecution’s evidence presented in court through its witnesses, is not proof beyond reasonable doubt for them to respond to.

Asylum seeker on rape charge

An asylum seeker in Manus is expected to appear at the Lorengau District Court today (Monday) on allegations he raped a Grade 9 student last week.

http://www.looppng.com/png-news/asylum-seeker-rape-charge-50678

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