Man leaves rape trial, surrenders after jury convicts him

CHESTERFIELD (AP) A Virginia man left his rape trial while jurors were deliberating his fate, but surrendered two days later, after the jury convicted him.

John Irvin stood trial May 18-19 for allegedly raping a woman inside her Chesterfield County home last June, the Richmond Times-Dispatch reported. As jurors deliberated, they asked the judge if they were allowed to sentence Irvin. After that, Irvin — who was free on bond — left the courthouse and didn’t return.

The jury came back with a guilty verdict in Irvin’s absence. The panel recommended he serve five years and one day in prison.

When Irvin failed to return after the jury reached a verdict, the judge revoked his bond and issued a warrant for his arrest for absconding from court.

But two days later, Irvin called Chesterfield emergency communications, saying he wanted to surrender. He provided his location and was arrested.

He told authorities he left the courthouse to see his mother because she was very ill and “had a short time to live,” said Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney LaToya Croxton, who prosecuted the case.

Irvin is now being held at the Chesterfield Jail without bond. He will be sentenced by a judge Sept. 16.