Wayne Miguel left the High Court of Antigua and Barbuda, with the matter against him effectively stayed as an abuse of process.
Charges were brought against Mr. Wayne Miguel on 24 May 2010 for fraudulent conversion between the 28.10.05 and 25.09.09 in respect of XCD$475,390.00, belonging to the novelist Ken Follett of Jumby Bay, Antigua, his employer at the time.
Miguel worked for Follett as a gardener and maintenance manager of a property in Jumby Bay named Bannanquit, and it alleged that he abused a visa creditcard given to him as part of his duties.
In delivering judgment in this matter, the Honourable Judge informed the Court, that “it is
scandalous, to the mind of any informed third-party observer, there has been no trial listing for [approximately 10 years] in an uncomplicated case of alleging misuse of an employer’s credit card.”
Further that, “the delay in this case brings the administration of justice into disrepute.”
The Chambers of OMO Law, which was only retained in matter in 2019, welcomes the recent decision, having only been instructed in this matter in 2019.
Andrew O’Kola, Esq., of OMO Law, Barrister-at-Law who was recently instructed on this matter opined that: “Fundamental safeguards are alive in Antigua and Barbuda. The
continued application of general principles of law in constitutional interpretation has once again ensured that fundamental rights, guaranteed to the people of Antigua and Barbuda, are respected. The interest of justice requires Courts to be bold and brave and in this
regard this judgment is welcomed.”
For the first time in 10 years Mr. Miguel can rest easy without the threat of a criminal trial or the need to sign in three times a week at the local police station.
READ the full judgment here:
Wayne Miguel – Morley J – Ruling – 20.05.20 (3)
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As in Ken Follett the famed writer? Wow. Scandalous indeed. Justice at last.
Who got justice, certainly not Ken Follett who put his trust in this fraudster
The judge did what he had to do. Something so simple and forthright had no reason for a 10 years delay.
To me the accused has served his time as a guilty man, the police and justice department needs to do better in serving the interest of the people seeking their help.
It is not his fault he got away, it’s the system.
Laya… with you, I agree. However, I know of drug cases which have dragged on for many years. Despite passing the acceptable number of delays, the judge refused to dismiss the case.
I am at a loss as to what really happened. Will the case go to trial? Is restitution in order? What caused this ridiculous delay? Where are the proceeds of this crime? Who is the accused? How did he think he could get away? Did he get away?
Why do these articles leave me with more questions than answers?
Did you “Read the full judgement here”? As it says at the bottom?
A Fraudster get Justice! Wow!
This is a case of justice delayed, justice denied
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