Opinion ID: 1861492
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: -iv.

Text: Appellant contends that (1) the trial court erred in refusing to grant a new trial on the ground that the evidence did not show defendant forcibly raped the prosecutrix without her consent and that (2) the trial court erred in failing to grant appellant's requested Instruction No. 8. The prosecutrix testified that appellant abducted her from the store building and committed the crime against her by placing her in fear for her safety (knife against her neck). In Fields v. State, 293 So.2d 430 (Miss. 1974), this Court held that physical resistance on the part of the victim is not necessary where the proof shows beyond reasonable doubt that she surrendered because of fear arising from a reasonable apprehension of great bodily harm. See also Rush v. State, 301 So.2d 297 (Miss. 1974). The testimony of the prosecutrix about the use of a deadly weapon against her and fear for her safety is undisputed. The requested Instruction No. 8, refused by the court, stated to the jury that, if it believe the prosecutrix consented to sexual intercourse with appellant and that she was not forced into the act, then appellant should be acquitted. There was no evidence to support the instruction, and the court properly refused same. Consequently, there is no merit in assigned Errors III and IV.