US marine free in Japan rape case

The case has revived bitter memories on Okinawa

Japanese prosecutors have released a US marine, who was arrested on suspicion of raping a 14-year-old girl, after her family decided not to pursue charges.

Staff Sgt Tyrone Hadnott, 38, who was held last month on the southern island of Okinawa, is now in military custody.

The marine denied the charges but the case caused widespread anger in Japan.

The arrest prompted the US ambassador to apologise to the people of Okinawa, while the US military imposed a curfew on all personnel and their families.

US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, on a visit to Japan earlier this week, voiced deep regret over the case.

Police said Staff Sgt Hadnott had admitted trying to forcibly kiss the girl but denied raping her.

Kyodo news agency reported prosecutors had decided not to press rape charges after the girl dropped the accusation.

The marine was arrested on the island on 11 February for allegedly raping the girl in a car parked on a street in the town of Chatan the previous evening.

Lieutenant Colonel Douglas Powell told Reuters: "He is in Marine Corps custody. They released him to us."

Thousands of US troops are based in Okinawa but many locals dislike the US presence.

The case has revived bitter memories of the 1995 gang rape of a 12-year-old girl on the island by American soldiers - an attack which triggered mass protests.