By PAVEL BAILEY

Tribune Staff Reporter

pbailey@tribunemedia.net

NORTH Abaco MP Kirk Cornish expressed relief and gratitude yesterday after being acquitted of rape and assault charges, calling it the close of one of the most “difficult chapters” of his life.

After deliberating for under two hours, a nine-member jury, consisting of eight women and one man, unanimously found Mr Cornish not guilty of two counts of rape and one count of assault.

They returned a 6-3 not guilty verdict on two additional charges of assault and threats of death.

Upon hearing the acquittal, a crowd of supporters erupted in cheers.

Justice Renae McKay, who presided over the three-week trial, thanked the jury for their service and acquitted Cornish on all charges. This was the second jury to hear evidence in the matter, after the first jury was dismissed in May after one member was reported to have a connection with the leader of the opposition. 

Following the verdict, Mr Cornish cheerfully embraced family members and supporters. Although he did not speak to the media as he left the court, a triumphant smile remained on his face.

 In a press statement, Mr Cornish thanked his legal team and expressed relief at the outcome, while also renewing his commitment to the people of North Abaco and acknowledging their steadfast support.

 “Today, I am blessed to turn the page on what has been the most difficult chapter of my life,” he said.

 “To the people of North Abaco, I want you to know how deeply I appreciate your support. Your faith in me, even through these challenges, has been a profound source of strength, and I am truly humbled by the belief you’ve shown.”

 Mr Cornish also pledged to continue serving with humility, determination, and gratitude, “doing all I can to serve our nation and honour the trust you have placed in me”.

 The prosecution, led by Timothy Bailey, argued that the complainant had been “bullied and battered” by Cornish.

 However, the defence, consisting of Owen Wells, Tai Pinder-Mackey, and Linique Murphy Grant, argued the case was marked by “inconsistencies” from the start.

 During closing arguments, the defence characterised the complainant as a “liar” and a “woman scorned”.

 Mr Wells expressed satisfaction with the verdict, saying the team was pleased the jurors had carefully considered the evidence and reached a decision.

 North Eleuthera MP Sylvanus Petty, part of Cornish’s entourage as he left court, said: “There is no winner in this; I’m just happy that it’s over for both sides.”

 Progressive Liberal Party chairman Fred Mitchell echoed similar sentiments, adding: “We simply thank the jury for their work and due diligence in sifting through the evidence and finding the facts. We are also thankful to the legal team led by Ms Tai Pinder for their representation of the member.”