The man accused of having sexual relations with a 13-year-old girl, was found guilty yesterday by a four man eight woman jury, in Supreme Court.

And after the verdict was read, the 33-year-old defendant cried and pounded the dock with his fist muttering the words: "All of this - just for trying to help someone."

The Pembroke man,understood to be a distant relative of the girl and cannot be named for legal reasons, was charged with two counts of unlawful carnal knowledge. One, between July 1, and August 19, and again on September 12, of last year.

After just over an hour of deliberations, he was found guilty on count one, a charge that carries a maximum penalty of 20 years, but he was found not guilty on the second charge.

In summations to the jury and Assistant Justice Charles-Etta Simmons yesterday, Crown counsel Anthony Blackman and defence lawyer Elizabeth Christopher argued the fate and punishment of the man.

Ms Christopher said her client had tried to help a girl with emotional problems. And she said the young girl, mistook his helpful gestures and invented the sexual scenario, because the man did not return her affections.

"The events happened differently than was remembered by the defendant," Ms Christopher said.

"She came to court to act and she brought her teddy bear along for the effect. What you have is truly inexplicable behaviour on the part of the complainant.

"What did he do when he first heard of the accusations, he went straight to the Police Station. Is this the behaviour of a man who has something to hide?"

However Mr. Blackman said the man was calculated and deliberate in his actions.

"This is not an ordinary sexual assault case," he said. "This is a case that a young girl, under the age, did not give consent. How it took place does not matter. By law, if you are between these ages, (13 and 16) you cannot consent.

"We are dealing with a girl that is 13-years-old. How strong can a person be at that age in that circumstance? What was her power, what was her resolve?"

And Mr. Blackman told the jury that the accused man - who maintained he was trying to counsel the 13-year-old through a difficult time - was manipulative in an effort to "satisfy his desires".

"Sometimes in this world we are led - sometimes people befriend you," he said. "They get you to trust them and before you know it it's too late. Don't you think it's reasonable for a 13-year-old to get caught in that trap?

"This man carefully manipulated, articulated, orchestrated and then executed what he had in mind for this girl. She thought that he would be able to help her, but he used all of that to satisfy his desires."

The court heard testimony last week, that the accused and the girl, who is now 15, had met at a wedding last year.

The court also heard that the man, wanted to keep in touch with the girl and she testified that he bought her a pager.

And there was further testimony that the two rendezvoused at special meeting places, including Gibb's Hill Lighthouse and Astwood Park, places where the attacks were alleged to have occurred.

"He takes her to Astwood Park," Mr. Blackman continued. "What were his intentions - was he counselling her at Astwood Park? The evidence given by the defendant in this case should not be accepted. He was arrogant, lying and the evidence shows his inconsistency.

"This type of behaviour must not be condoned. The law is designed to protect people of tender years. The evidence of this case points clearly to a verdict of guilty."

The man will be sentenced on October 2.