A dramatic courtroom scene unfolded at Isleworth Crown Court as tears flowed during the verdict reading of a high-profile case involving a U.S. military officer.
According to Daily Mail, Robert Prussak, a 57-year-old U.S. Air Force captain, was acquitted of all charges related to the alleged kidnapping and assault of a nine-year-old French girl outside Harrods department store in London.
The prosecution had alleged that Prussak approached the child after she became separated from her family during their London vacation on April 22. They claimed he led her to his hotel apartment, drugged her, and inappropriately touched her in Hyde Park.
Defense Presents Alternative Narrative Through Technology
Prussak's defense centered on his use of Google Translate to communicate with the lost child. He explained that he attempted to help her find her family by using the translation app on his phone, as she spoke a different language.
The pilot testified that he interpreted the girl's three raised fingers to mean she had been separated from her parents for three minutes. He then used his phone to search for nearby police stations while trying to determine which museum her family might have been heading toward.
When rain began falling heavily, Prussak made the decision to take the girl to his nearby apartment. He maintained that this was done to continue the search for police stations in a dry environment.
Medical Evidence And Police Encounter Details
Tests revealed the presence of Diphenhydramine, found in Benadryl, in the girl's system. However, subsequent examination of glasses from Prussak's apartment showed no traces of the sedative.
The encounter ended when Prussak and the girl encountered police officers near the Israeli Embassy. The entire incident was captured on CCTV footage outside Harrods, showing their initial interaction and subsequent departure together.
Prussak explained his reluctance to call authorities, stating:
I absolutely regret not calling the police sooner. I had never done it before and I didn't know what response I would get. I was scared they would send in the cavalry and the ambulances and everything. I thought I could get there more efficiently.
Professional Background And Current Circumstances
Throughout his career, Prussak served as a U.S. Air Force pilot for over 18 years. He later transitioned to flying for Walmart before becoming a pilot for hire, a change motivated by his desire to spend more time with his daughters following his divorce.
The father of two explained that his parental instincts influenced his decision to help the lost child. He was in London for a job interview when the incident occurred.
The girl's parents testified via video link from France, describing their mounting concern as time passed without finding their daughter.
Case Resolution And Subsequent Developments
The jury delivered not guilty verdicts on all six charges: kidnapping, kidnapping with intent to commit a sexual offense, administering a substance with intent, and three counts of sexual assault. Judge Edward Connell formally discharged Prussak following the verdict.
In an unexpected development, police arrested an unnamed individual at Isleworth Crown Court on Tuesday on suspicion of possessing indecent images of children. The suspect remains in custody as investigations continue.
