Three men accused of a home invasion using an imitation firearm walked free this evening, after being found not guilty on all counts.

Following a lengthy trial and hours of deliberations, Jerome Mader, 25, Justis Smith, 34, and Tyun Smith-Ming, 25, were all cleared of aggravated burglary and use of a fake gun at a North Shore, Pembroke residence on July 24.

Puisne Judge Charles-Etta Simmons thanked the jury for their patience over a trial that stretched into weeks.

Emotional family members hugged as the three were told by Mrs Justice Smith, shortly after the 9.15pm verdicts, that they were now free to go.

See Monday’s edition of The Royal Gazette for the full story.