A 36-year-old accused of raping his half-sister has been acquitted.

The man, who was charged with about seven counts of rape, appeared before Justice Usaia Ratuvili yesterday.

The house was occupied by his mother and the complainant at the time while he lived nearby.

The man allegedly committed unconsented sexual acts toward his younger half-sister.

She tried telling her mother, but he kept following her around the house.

“In assessing the above evidence, I find it improbable that the complainant’s mother would have slept throughout these events, especially if she screamed at one point,” Justice Ratuvili ruled.

“This raises reasonable doubt with respect to the complainant’s testimony and the accused is entitled to the benefit of that doubt,” Justice Ratuvili said.

The office of the Director of Public Prosecutions has 30 days to appeal.