KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – The lawyer representing an American nationwide convicted for having sexual activity with a 12-year-old lady says the courtroom has upheld an software he made for him to withdraw his illustration of the person.
Legal professional Christopher Townsend stated he’s involved concerning the psychological State of Robert Benoit, 59, who had appeared within the St James Circuit Courtroom final Friday for sentencing after he had been convicted in March this 12 months for the offense towards the kid, who’s now 14 years and within the custody of the State.
Benoit allegedly dedicated the act in December 2020, two days earlier than Christmas.
Media stories stated that sentencing was postponed after Benoit turned boisterous and demanded a brand new lawyer.
“Sadly, he appeared to have misplaced confidence in my skill to symbolize him, and I’m most involved about his frame of mind,” Townsend instructed the Jamaica Observer.
“He appeared to have been speaking lots and saying all types of issues within the courtroom to the purpose the place the choose had problem controlling him, and in order that having been the case, I used to be constrained to make an software to withdraw from the matter,” Townsend added.
He stated that the applying was upheld by the realized choose who noticed the circumstances.
“He had expressed a want for a selected counsel to symbolize him. I made contact with the counsel, and hopefully, on the subsequent event, when the matter will probably be dropped at Kingston, that counsel will have the ability to symbolize him adequately,” Townsend stated.
A seven-member blended jury had discovered Benoit unanimously responsible of the offense whilst he claimed then that “corruption” and racism had a component in his verdict.
Benoit is now scheduled to be sentenced on the Supreme Courtroom on Friday, September 29, 2023.
The courtroom had heard that Benoit, a daily customer to the island, and the lady’s mom stated in her proof that she was chargeable for taking good care of his rented dwelling within the space and would go there to cook dinner and clear for him. She, nonetheless, denied realizing what transpired between him and her little one.
In keeping with prosecutors, on the night time of December 23, Benoit visited the household’s dwelling. In keeping with the kid, her father instructed her to spend the night time with the then 57-year-old man and “convey again the cash.” She stated proper after that assertion was made to her, Benoit purchased her father a bottle of Magnum and left along with her.
The younger lady stated that night time, whereas she was at his home, she was woke up from sleep by Benoit, who was atop her. She stated the person had intercourse along with her.
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