Former Cayman Islands Athletics Association President Dalton Errald Watler-Lyons is on trial, charged with possession of criminal property, in relation to US$30,000 which was found at his George Town home in May 2021.
During the opening of the trial on Tuesday, 23 Aug., prosecutor Garcia Kelly told the jury of five women and two men that the money was found during the execution of a search warrant.
“During the search, the defendant pointed to a cigar box…[which contained $3,000] in the kitchen,” said Kelly. “Officers then proceeded into the master bedroom, where the defendant pointed to a Puma travel bag in the closet, in which a large quantity of cash was recovered.”
Kelly told the court that Watler-Lyons was arrested on suspicion of money laundering and transported to the Cayman Islands Detention Centre, where he told officers the money was taken from his personal account over a period of years.
Ultimately, Watler-Lyons was never charged with any money laundering offences.
“Based on those assertions, checks were made with the Cayman Islands Credit Union, and Cayman National Bank where he also has another account,” said Kelly. “The defendant stated that he would withdraw funds from his Credit Union account and then purchase US funds from the Cayman National account, each time taking out $1,000 or up to $3,000.”
According to Kelly, Watler-Lyons claimed that he kept the money at his home because he did not trust the bank and was afraid he would lose money if it collapsed.
“A search of his banking activity revealed, between 1 January 2020 and 1 May 2021, one foreign exchange transaction of $675,” said Kelly.
The prosecution has not presented any theory about how Watler-Lyons came into possession of the funds, but instead pointed to the fact that the Crown’s case was largely based on circumstantial evidence.
“In this case, in a master bedroom, in a Puma travel bag, wrapped in white plastic bags with rubber bands is US$30,000,” said Kelly. “This coupled with the assertions of the defendant… the prosecution say is strong enough evidence to prove that this was the proceeds of crime.”
Watler-Lyons has denied the allegations, and is represented by Oliver Smith, QC, who is instructed by attorney Steve McField.
The trial is expected to conclude later this week.
Related Videos
