Kirk Cornish found not guilty. Everything you need to know

The high-profile case involving Kirk Cornish who is the MP for North Abaco, has captured public attention. His political career has been under scrutiny following serious allegations that led to a court case.

The six-month trial, with the nation awaiting the outcome, wrapped up on Wednesday. After one hour and a half of deliberations on Thursday, the nine-member jury returned a ‘not guilty’ verdict.

Jurors were split 6-3 on the threats of death count but returned a unanimous ‘not guilty’ verdict on all counts of rape, assault and death threats.

Here’s what you need to know:

What were the allegations against Kirk Cornish?

Cornish faced allegations of rape, assault and issuing death threats. The charges stem from a case involving a 35-year-old woman, who is a former girlfriend, with incidents alleged to have occurred between January and April of 2023.

According to the testimony, the key witness alleged that Cornish showed controlling and manipulative behavior throughout their relationship.

What was Kirk Cornish’s defense?

During the trial, Cornish’s defense lawyer labeled the complainant a “liar” and a “woman scorned,” arguing that the case was based on inconsistencies and lacked physical evidence such as a rape kit or forensic documentation. The defense criticized the police investigation and questioned the complainant’s credibility, suggesting the allegations were fabricated.

The defense lawyer argued that the case was based on “he said, she said” evidence and criticized the police investigation as inadequate.

What was persecution’s argument?

Prosecutor Timothy Bailey asserted that the witness was honest and unwavering under cross-examination. He painted a picture of the accused, Cornish, as a domineering figure within the relationship, citing instances where he allegedly confiscated the complainant’s phone and resorted to threats and physical force to maintain dominance.

The prosecutor portrayed the complainant as a survivor of abuse who mustered the bravery to stand up against “the monster” she accused. Bailey called upon the jury to deliver a guilty verdict, emphasizing the psychological and physical control Cornish is alleged to have imposed on her–which included being pinned down, spat upon, threatened with violence, and physically assaulted while the pair resided in Abaco and New Providence.