Guyanese Child Molester appeals conviction in BVI

[British Virgin Islands Platinum News] – Oliver Lewis, the 35 year-old Guyanese who was found guilty of having sexual contact with a 13 year-old boy has appealed his conviction, resulting in a stay in his sentencing which was scheduled for today, December 9 in Tortola, British Virgin Islands (BVI).

Attorney-At-Law Stephen Daniels informed the court that he has appealed last week’s guilty verdict for the four counts of gross indecency with a child. He also made it known that he will be seeking bail for his client as his appeal is being dealt with.

Leslie Ann Faulkner, Senior Crown Counsel indicated that there were similar circumstances to his in another case where the lawyer had appealed the guilty verdict of the Magistrate before sentencing was handed down. She said the Court of Appeal then sent the matter back to the Magistrate for it to be completed, allowing for sentencing to take place before an appeal is heard.

However, Magistrate Ayanna Baptiste-DaBreo said while she agrees with the crown that the matter will end up right back at the Magistrate’s Court to be completed, she also has to agree with Daniels and must abide by the law in spite of what they may feel.

She said that it is for the Parliamentarians to address the issue and have everything in sync. The Magistrate then commented that they will just be seeing the matter before her again sometime next year when the Court of Appeal sends it back for sentencing. She also commented that lawyers must be cognizant of judicial timing.

In relation to bail, she told Daniels that he has to go to the High Court to seek bail. Lewis, an IT Technician, was further remanded pending a bail hearing in the High Court.

Meanwhile, the Magistrate ruled on the two other outstanding counts of indecent assault on a child, finding Lewis guilty. Daniels said he will amend his appeal to reflect the latter.

The incidents took place between April and June 2013 at Lambert and Mount Healthy where Lewis performed the sexual acts, including oral sex on the high school student.