Judge squashes 10-year conviction against man

Appeal Court judges, on Tuesday, found that a judge erred when Michael “Snowie” Wilson was not given the opportunity to cross-examine a prosecution witness.{{more}}

As a result, his 10-year conviction was quashed and a re-trial was ordered in the matter.

On May 16, 2012, at the Criminal Assizes, High Court judge Wesley James sentenced Wilson to 10 years in jail for aggravated burglary and five years for damage to property, .

On December 22, 2010, at around 10:30 p.m., Wilson entered the premises of Beatrice Samuel of New Montrose, by using a cutlass to chop the door.

When he got into the house, Wilson began chopping Mischka Samuel about her body. The court heard that she ran into the bathroom, but was pursued by Wilson, who continued chopping her.

However, Samuel refused to give evidence in the matter and the jury was instructed to return a not guilty verdict on an initial charge of wounding with intent. On the burglary and damage to property charges, Wilson had indicated that he wanted to cross-examine a witness for the Crown. When the judge asked if the witness wanted to entertain questions from Wilson, she replied in the negative.

Wilson then said he would not ask any questions.

The appeal court judges were of the view that Wilson was deprived of his chance to question the witness and ordered the re-trial.

When contacted, Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Colin John said no decision has been made if the office of the DPP will proceed with the re-trial.(KW)