THE High Court on November 13 discharged a Tobago man charged with grievous sexual assault and rape stemming from an incident alleged to have occurred in October 2021.

The decision was handed down by Master Delicia Bethelmy after state prosecutors again failed to appear or present evidence at a second scheduled sufficiency hearing on November 13. Royson Ceasar was represented by attorney Amit Mahabir.

The court noted that no statements, exhibits or indictment had been filed, and that the prosecution was not present. The absence followed an earlier extension granted in August to allow the state more time to comply with court directions after reporting difficulty contacting the complainant.