Opinion ID: 1950659
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: sufficiency of the evidence

Text: Defendant next argues that there was insufficient evidence from which a jury could find, beyond a reasonable doubt, that he was guilty of gross sexual misconduct, and, therefore, it was error for the presiding Justice to deny the motions for acquittal and for a new trial. Defendant premises his argument on two grounds: First, that the uncorroborated testimony of a minor prosecutrix must be closely scrutinized, citing, State v. Miller, Me., 252 A.2d 321 (1969) and State v. Wheeler, 150 Me. 332, 110 A.2d 578 (1954), and second, that this particular prosecutrix had ample motive for lying, and in fact, recanted her story at one point. [2] When reviewing the denial of either a motion to acquit or a motion for a new trial based on insufficiency of the evidence, we are limited to the question of whether, in view of all the evidence, the jury was warranted in believing, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the accused was guilty as charged. State v. Mann, Me., 361 A.2d 897 (1976); State v. Ladd, 159 Me. 431, 193 A.2d 914 (1963). In the instant case, the prosecutrix testified fully on every element of the crime charged. That testimony, if credible, is sufficient by itself to support a guilty verdict. See State v. MacFarland, Me., 369 A.2d 227 (1977). Defendant however, argues that if closely scrutinized, the prosecutrix's testimony is not credible, especially when viewed against her dislike for him, which he argues provided an ample motive for lying, as well as the fact that at one point she recanted her accusations before finally returning to her original story. We find defendant's arguments unpersuasive. In the first instance, the mere fact that we are dealing with a sex related charge does not invoke a special standard of review. State v. MacFarland, supra . Second, after a careful review of the prosecutrix's testimony, we are unable to hold, as we did in State v. Doak, 156 Me. 8, 157 A.2d 873 (1960), that her testimony is so incredible as to preclude a rational jury from finding defendant guilty. There is ample evidence in the record from which a jury could reasonably find that the recantation was the result of undue pressure applied by her mother, defendant's girl friend. Defendant is thus left with the mere fact that the prosecutrix did not like him. Although we recognize that such a fact may be an important consideration in determining the credibility of a young prosecutrix, we cannot agree that, in this case, it is sufficient to cast such doubt on the prosecutrix's testimony as to render it unbelievable. The jury had ample opportunity to view and listen to the various witnesses at trial. The verdict reveals that the jury chose to believe the prosecutrix and not defendant. That choice is within the sole province of the jury and will not be disturbed unless the evidence is insufficient to justify the verdict. See State v. Ouellette, Me., 358 A.2d 538 (1976); State v. McDonough, Me., 350 A.2d 556 (1976). Such is not the case here. The entry is: Appeal denied. Judgment affirmed. WERNICK, J., did not sit.