the Crown was unable to proceed with its case because key witnesses were unavailable.

Crown Counsel Mr. Stephen Harrison said the man was charged with unlawful carnal knowledge of a girl under the age of 14.

The offence was alleged to have occurred between August 1 and October 1, 1992.

At that time the girl was only 12 years old.

"The girl and her father who we were expecting to be key witnesses no longer reside on the Island,'' Mr. Harrison said. "And the two Police officers involved in the case are no longer with the Bermuda Police Service and have left the Island.

"The Crown won't be proceeding with its case.'' However, the man's lawyer Mr.

Archie Warner maintained his client's innocence and said that he was fully prepared to proceed.

Acting Chief Justice the Hon. Mrs. Justice Wade told the man: "I know you are innocent until proven guilty. But I have read the file and there was quite a case against you. You should consider yourself very lucky indeed.''