Murder convict appeals

Murder convict David Roberts will have to wait until the next sitting of the Court of Appeal to have his case heard.{{more}}

Appearing on Monday, January 26, before Chief Justice Hugh Rawlins, Justices of Appeal (AC) Ola Mae Edwards and Rita Joseph Olivetti, the appellant said that he had made a written request for an attorney in his appeal. Roberts said he was never issued with one since his request.

Roberts, 29, of Murray’s Village, was convicted on June 20th, 2007, and sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of 77 year-old Murray’s Village resident, Dorsie Neptune on May 13, 2005.

Director of Public Prosecutions Colin Williams confirmed that a letter was indeed written and forwarded to the Human Rights Association. It was also heard that there was some financial issues, hindering Roberts from obtaining counsel.

Chief Justice Rawlins said that he thought that Roberts’ case was one that needs legal representation. “Back in my day, I know counsels would have just gotten up and would undertake such a case,” said Rawlins.

However, the matter was traversed to the next sitting of the Court of Appeal in June, in order to facilitate legal representation for Roberts.