“Don’t take women with children” – 65-year-old man warns after being acquitted of rape

A 65-year-old New Amsterdam man who was acquitted on Thursday of rape and sexual activity charges involving a minor has offered advice to other men following the conclusion of his trial at the Berbice High Court.

Neil Fredericks, a heavy-duty truck and machine driver of Philadelphia Street, New Amsterdam, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), was found not guilty of both charges by a 12-member jury, which returned unanimous verdicts following a trial before Justice Peter Hugh.

Fredericks became emotional following the verdicts and was seen in tears as he left the courtroom.

Speaking to reporters outside the courthouse, he offered advice to other men.  “I would like to tell a lot of men, don’t take women with children; stay away from them,” he stated. Fredericks expressed relief at the outcome, particularly because he claimed the allegations had been brought against him by people he had cared for and assisted.

He said the seriousness of the accusations had taken a significant emotional toll on him, resulting in sleepless nights as he maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings.  Fredericks had faced two charges: sexual activity with a child under 16 and rape of a child under 16.

The charges alleged that between March 1, 2020, and October 31, 2021, in Berbice, Fredericks engaged in sexual activity with a girl who was between 10 and 11 years old and sexually penetrated her during the same period.

He denied both allegations during his trial before Justice Hugh. State Prosecutor Marisa Edwards presented the prosecution’s case, calling 14 witnesses, including five police officers and a doctor, to testify.

Fredericks was represented by attorney-at-law Charlyn Artiga. Following the conclusion of the trial, Fredericks expressed gratitude to God, his attorney, and the jurors for their roles in the proceedings.