KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA: A grave-digger was acquitted by the Sessions Court on three counts of raping a minor after the judge accepted his claim of being impotent.

Mohd Norddin Jusoh, 37, from Samping, walked out of the courtroom a free man after Judge Anita Haron ruled that the defence had succeeded in raising doubts in the prosecution's prima facie case.

She said the prosecution had failed to prove that Mohd Norddin, who is childless, was not impotent as claimed by his defence lawyers.

The claim was supported by his wife and mother-in-law's testimony.

"Even though his wife is an interested party, she is a suitable person who can comment on this matter.

"Her statement, is, therefore, accepted," Anita said in handing down her judgment yesterday.

Mohd Norddin was charged with raping a 13-year-old student in the bushes near a water tank at Menara Taman Chantik in Taman Pertama on Dec 15 and 31, 2006 and Jan 9, 2007.

As soon as the court adjourned, his handcuffs were removed and his wife Hafizah Aziz rushed to embraced him.