An unusual and sudden end to the trial of a St. John’s man who was facing a charge of arson.

Justice Garrett Handrigan this morning ordered a directed verdict at the trail of David Badrudin.

The St. John’s man was charged with arson in connection with a fire that caused extensive damage to the Waterford Manor back in July of 2016.

Almost a year later, Badrudin was charged with setting that fire, but this morning was acquitted of the charge.

Under the criminal code there are several arson related sections. Badrudin was facing a charge that required the crown to prove he was one of the owners of the Waterford Manor.

After the crown concluded its case, the defence asked for the directed verdict, which Justice Handrigan granted. Just two and a half days into a scheduled ten day trial, it was over.

David Badrudin stood up, thanked his lawyers, hugged his family members and left the court a free man.

Justice Handrigan released the jury and ordered a directed verdict (acquittal) because under the arson charge Badrudin was facing, the crown did not prove he was an owner of the property. David Badrudin hugged members of his family and declined comment. @VOCMNEWS @590VOCM pic.twitter.com/cx2SkStRiN

— Fred Hutton (@Fred_Hutton) December 4, 2019

When asked, neither Badrudin or any of the lawyers involved in the case would offer comment on the outcome of the trial.