The Tribune

By LAMECH JOHNSON

Tribune Staff Reporter

ljohnson@tribunemedia.net

THE Court of appeal yesterday affirmed the conviction and sentence of a man jailed for 16 years after a jury found him guilty of forcing a nine-year-old to perform oral sex on him.

Edward Butler, 65, had challenged his May 30, 2013, conviction to the appellate court on the basis that he had not received a fair trial relating to the allegations of sex with the minor between November 9, 2009, and January 8, 2010.

However, the court did not agree with his argument and dismissed his appeal against conviction and sentence. A written ruling and reasons for the decision is to be provided at a later date.

Butler, throughout his trial in the Supreme Court, denied having sex with the girl, who is now a teenager. However, while acquitted of a pornography charge, he was found guilty of having unlawful sexual intercourse and required medical attention after the 6-3 guilty verdict was announced.

Justice Vera Watkins sentenced Butler to 16 years in jail after considering Butler’s previous conviction for a similar offence and the age of the victim, who, she said, may suffer from long term and/or permanent damage as a result of the experience.

Butler was represented by Stanley Rolle in the appeal while Darnell Dorsett was the Crown respondent. Justices Anita Allen, Abdulai Conteh and Jon Isaacs presided over yesterday’s proceedings.