A ten-woman, two-man jury found a 60-year-old man not guilty of sexually assaulting a 44-year-old woman yesterday.

The jury deliberated for an hour and 15 minutes and delivered a majority verdict of 11 to one.

The defendant, who cannot be named for legal reasons, maintained his innocence throughout the five-day trial.

Defence lawyer Larry Mussenden said both he and his client were happy that the matter was over.

Crown counsel Charmaine Smith did not comment on the acquittal.

Mrs. Smith had maintained throughout the trial that the man had sexually assaulted the woman on January 3, 2001, in a workshop for addicts in St. George's.

The woman had been living and working in the workshop when she claimed the incident had occurred.

The man did not deny having sexual intercourse with the woman, but claimed it was consensual.

The doctors, who had examined both the man and the alleged victim, said neither had suffered any injuries.

In closing arguments Mr. Mussenden had said about the woman's undergarments: "If it's not ripped than you must acquit."

Mrs. Smith said the man had been "prepared" for any eventuality when he turned up to the woman's room with both a condom and a present to induce her.

Puisne Judge Charles-Etta Simmons told the jurors that it was up to them to determine whether there was consent or not.