People v. Cunningham

A jury convicted defendant of one count of first-degree criminal sexual conduct, MCL 750.520b; MSA 28.788(2). He was acquitted of three other counts of criminal sexual conduct. Defendant appeals as of right. We reverse.

The complainant, who was from Thailand, testified at trial through an interpreter. She testified that defendant raped her five or six times. Defendant testified that his sexual encounters with the complainant were consensual.

On appeal, defendant argues that he is entitled to a new trial because the interpreter interfered with his right to cross-examination. We agree. Defendant…