Man acquitted of raping woman

Seconds after Justice Pamela Beckles told him he was free to go, Shawn Antonio Holder collapsed in the dock, prompting loud gasps in the No. 5 Supreme Court.

The drama unfolded on Monday afternoon as a nine-member jury acquitted Holder after just over an hour of deliberations.

Holder of King William Street, The City, had spent four years on remand after being accused of raping a woman on November 8, 2016.

As police, prison and court officials ran to his aid, a grateful and teary-eyed Holder got to his knees and sent praises heavenward before thanking the jury and the judge and walking out of court.

Attorney Shadia Simpson represented Holder, while Principal State Counsel Olivia Davis prosecuted the case.