Former Bishops’ High School teacher, Coen Jackson walked out of the High Court a free man today after he was acquitted of having sexual relations with an underage child. This is the second acquittal for Jackson who was accused of having sexual relations with several of his students.
Justice Priya Beharry-Sewnarine, who presided over the trial, directed the jury to return a verdict of not guilty of the remaining three charges of Sexual Activity with a child of the age of 16 years by Abusing a Position of Trust.
The direction to the Jury followed the testimony of the alleged victims who informed the Court that she was withdrawing the allegations and no longer pursuing them.
After the court hearing, Jackson expressed his “heartfelt appreciation and gratitude” to members of the staff and students of The Bishops’ High School, including the Ministry of Education, members of the public and several well-wishers who stood by him “during this difficult time.”
Jackson had in an earlier civil suit secured an award of damages in the sum of $5,000,000.00 (five million dollars) for defamation of character against Ruel Johnson who had accused him of preying on the virtual complainant while she was a student.
Mr. Jackson was represented by Nigel Hughes, Jerome Khan, Savannah Barnwell, and Sophia Findlay.
