RASBERT TURNER, Star Writer

A vice-principal of a St Andrew primary school who was accused of sexually molesting an eight-year-girl nine years ago has been freed of the charges.

Leighton Barnett, 52, of a St Catherine address, was freed of two counts of carnal abuse after the jury retired for one hour and returned a majority verdict of five to two.

The Crown led evidence before acting Supreme Court judge Frank Williams and the jury that in 2000 and 2001 Barnett sexually molested the complainant.

The complainant, who is now 17, testified that Barnett sexually assaulted her several times. She made a report to the guidance counsellor at her school in June 2009. A report was made to the police and Barnett was arrested and charged.

Barnett, who was represented by defence lawyer Linda Wright, denied committing the offences.

He was thoroughly cross-examined but he maintained his innocence. He called two witnesses to support his defence that the complainant was not speaking the truth.