Topic: Grand Court
2 Honduran kids who faced deportation can remain in Cayman
Two children who faced deportation to Honduras in August, possibly being sent back by themselves into an abusive situation, have been allowed to remain in Cayman at least until they reach adulthood, the Immigration Appeals Tribunal has ruled.
Three-year immigration delay in residency case could cost government
The Cayman Islands government could be forced to pay damages following an immigration challenge filed by a local accountant who waited three years for his permanent residence application to be heard.
‘Appalling record for dishonesty’: 14 years for status scammer
Paul Anthony Hume Ebanks received prison terms totaling 14 years on Thursday after a jury found him guilty earlier this week of 26 counts of obtaining property by deception and one count of theft of a passport. The final sentence was 12 years, nine months.
EDITORIAL – PR application delays: The consequences now loom larger
On today’s front page, in headline type so large that a legally blind patient taking an eye exam could read it, we share some extremely disconcerting news. It has to do with the risks the country is facing because of its inaction on more than 800 dormant permanent residence (PR) applications.
Court not paying resort rent
Rent for a conference room at a Seven Mile Beach resort is not being paid for out of the courts budget, even though Grand Court is being held there this week and next week. Justice Nicholas Segal is presiding in a “special designated court” on the third floor of the Marriott Resort
Jury returns 27 guilty verdicts in Cayman status trial
Paul Anthony Hume Ebanks was remanded in custody shortly before 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday following a series of guilty verdicts to 26 charges of obtaining property by deception and one charge of theft of a passport.
Jury in status scam trial told not to speculate
Justice Michael Wood began his summing up on Monday in the trial of Paul Anthony Hume Ebanks, who has pleaded not guilty to 27 counts of obtaining property by deception and one count of theft of a passport.
Court moves to resort, citing lack of space
A conference room at the Marriott Resort will serve as a courtroom for six days, starting Monday, Nov. 7. Justice Nicholas Segal is presiding. Yasmin Ebanks, listing officer of the Grand Court, confirmed that lack of space in the usual court facilities necessitated the use the conference room in the Seven Mile Beach hotel as a “special designated court.”
Jury notice
The Grand Court jury report date has been changed. Jurors who are in the Oct. 5 to Dec. 30 session are advised that their report date of Monday, Nov. 7, has been changed.
Security company owners fall out over joint venture
Adrien Briggs, shareholder of Safeguard Security Services Ltd., has filed a winding up petition for the security firm alleging that the 60 percent shareholder, Stuart Bostock, caused the company to pay $140,000 “wrongly and without any justification” to The Security Centre Limited, another company Mr. Bostock owns.
Defendant says status seekers threatened his life
Paul Anthony Hume Ebanks continued to take money from people by representing that it was for Caymanian status or permanent residence even after he suspected the offer was a scam, he told a court on Tuesday.
Judge Henderson returns for murder sentence hearings
Justice Alexander Henderson, whose retirement was announced in 2015, has returned to Grand Court. He is hearing arguments in cases where he was the presiding judge when a defendant was found guilty of murder.
Chiropractor Khan awaits sentencing
From a new referral to a woman who had been coming to him for 15 years, chiropractor Jemal Abdullah Khan took advantage of his female patients’ trust by indecently assaulting at least nine of them and taking photographs of two without their consent, a court heard Wednesday.
Cayman hedge fund files for US bankruptcy protection
Two Cayman-registered Platinum Partners hedge funds filed for U.S. Chapter 15 bankruptcy protection in a New York federal court last week.
Three acquitted of gun charge, sentenced for ganja
Justice Charles Quin found three men not guilty of possessing an unlicensed firearm and then sentenced them for the ganja in which the firearm had been found.
Judge considers murder sentences for brothers
Justice Charles Quin heard submissions on Thursday on behalf of Justin D’Angelo Ramoon and Osbourne Wilfred Douglas, who have been convicted of murdering Jason...
Witness says he gave money for status directly to Ebanks
A man who started working in Cayman in 1981 told a court Wednesday that he gave $1,500 to someone introduced to him as Paul Bodden for the purpose of obtaining status. Paul Williams was giving evidence in the trial of Paul Anthony Hume Ebanks, who has pleaded not guilty to obtaining property by deception – falsely representing that cash was required as payment for a legitimate grant of Caymanian status.
Immigration scam witness claims she paid $32,000 for status grants
A woman who paid $32,000 for what she believed would be legitimate grants of Caymanian status told the court on Tuesday that she had a meeting with McKeeva Bush and his attorney. Norma Richards was giving evidence in the trial of Paul Anthony Hume Ebanks, who has pleaded not guilty to obtaining a total of $167,400 from various complainants.
Recruiter says immigration status defendant ‘brainwashed us’
A woman who recruited people to pay $2,000 for status told the judge and jury on Tuesday that defendant Paul Anthony Hume Ebanks had “brainwashed” her and two other women into believing that everything about the scheme had to go through him because he was “their right-hand man.”
Watson receives legal aid for conviction appeal
A Caymanian businessman whose personal assets were stated at more than $3 million during his criminal trial early this year has been granted legal aid to appeal his conviction on fraud and corruption charges. The Grand Court heard Monday afternoon that Canover Watson, 46, had received legal aid assistance for the appeal, but that no legal assistance had been given – or asked for – in his pending asset forfeiture matter.
Payers believed Cayman status scheme was legitimate, jury hears
The first Crown witness completed her evidence on Friday in the trial of Paul Anthony Hume Ebanks, who has pleaded not guilty to obtaining property – over $167,000 – by falsely representing that various sums were required payments for legitimate grants of status or permanent residence or, in one case, the award of a government contract.
Drunk driver gets two years for causing death of South Sound jogger
Donovan Lloyd Kellyman, 26, was sentenced on Thursday to two years imprisonment for causing death while driving under the influence of alcohol. The person whose death he caused was Marcia Donaldson, 46, who was jogging on South Sound Road close to the junction with Old Crewe Road. The incident occurred around 4:15 a.m. on April 25, 2015.
Woman survived attack by playing dead; man sentenced to 6 years
A man scheduled to go on trial for attempted murder was sentenced on Thursday to six years’ imprisonment after pleading guilty to the lesser charge of wounding with intent. The defendant, Meleton Rosales Maick, was jealous and drunk at the time he cut a woman’s neck with a knife in January this year, defense attorney John Furniss said.
Planning law changes give ‘teeth’ to derelict property enforcement
Cayman Islands lawmakers are attempting to tackle the problems of derelict cars and properties, as well as property fences built too close to roads, in changes to the Development and Planning Law approved late Wednesday.
‘Miss Patsy’ retires from court registry, reflects on quarter-century of change
When Lois Patricia Bodden joined the courthouse staff as a messenger in 1990, there were three judges of the Grand Court and two magistrates in the Summary Court. Fast forward 26 years: Mrs. Bodden, better known as Miss Patsy, has retired as supervisor of the Criminal Registry and then supernumerary during a year of staff transition.
Guilty plea in firearms charge
Jose Guadalupe Sanchez, 29, pleaded guilty on Friday afternoon to possession of an unlicensed firearm in Cruz Lane, George Town, on June 8, 2015. Sentencing was adjourned until Oct. 21, when he was scheduled to return to Grand Court for sentencing on a similar offense.
Funds liquidators for Bateman given wide powers
Local fund liquidators have been given wide powers to effect the recovery of millions of dollars invested with a Cayman Islands-registered brokerage previously run by a man who is a fugitive from the Cayman Islands justice system. Following a Grand Court hearing Thursday, liquidators Chris Johnson and Graham Robinson were named joint official liquidators of the firm known as Bateman & Company Ltd.
Lawmakers: Mass of bills to change ‘lives of generations’
Cayman Islands lawmakers are set to review and approve an unprecedented number of bills in the Legislative Assembly meeting that begins Tuesday, some of which involve complex, long-standing issues that have been before parliament for more than a decade.
Chiropractor pleads guilty to indecent assault
Chiropractor Jemal Abdullah Khan pleaded guilty in Grand Court on Friday to nine counts of indecent assault and two counts of insulting behavior.
Jury notice for July 6-Oct. 4 session
Grand Court jurors in the July 6-Oct. 4 session are advised that they should report for jury duty on Oct. 4, at 9:45 a.m.
13 years for ‘appalling’ and ‘terrible’ rape
A man who tried to strangle his victim and threatened to kill her was sentenced Wednesday to 13 years’ imprisonment for what Justice Michael Mettyear called a terrible and appalling rape.
Lawyers: Immigration’s risk of human rights infringement growing ‘daily’
A myriad of legal difficulties arising in the determination of nearly 800 applications for permanent residence made by foreign nationals in the Cayman Islands has created a growing danger of human rights challenges against the government, a danger that is increasing on a “daily basis,” according to a review of the issues completed by a local law firm.
Theft charges sent to Grand Court
Charges alleging theft of more than $55,000 were sent to Grand Court after a preliminary inquiry on Tuesday.
Man pleads not guilty to rape of boy
A man entered pleas of not guilty in Grand Court on Friday to two charges of rape and two of indecent assault.
Planning changes clarify rules for 10-story buildings
Amendments to the Cayman Islands Development and Planning Law and regulations will allow for 10-story structures to be built in hotel/tourism zones in the islands without the need for greater property setbacks from the sea or the road.
Multiple offender wins sentence reduction
A prison term of seven years was reduced to five-and-a-half years following an appeal to the Grand Court on Friday by Donald Calvin Hooker.
Police employee misses her court date
Two civilian employees of the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service were due in Summary Court on Tuesday on charges that included breach of trust, but only one appeared.
Inmate admits to stabbing in prison
A man serving six years for robbery and wounding plus one year for escaping from prison has had another two years added to his sentences.
Police employee misses court date
Two civilian employees of the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service were due in Summary Court on Tuesday on charges that included breach of trust, but only one appeared.
Handgun, ammo charges go to Grand Court
Firearms charges against Randy James Parchment were committed to Grand Court on Monday after the defendant elected to have his matter heard in the higher court.
Second Bateman firm faces liquidation, millions sought
Court-appointed liquidators said Tuesday they are seeking to locate millions of dollars invested with a Cayman Islands-registered brokerage once run by a man who was declared a fugitive from the local justice system.
Man pleads guilty to West Bay rape
Andre Antonio Chase, 22, pleaded guilty in Grand Court on Monday to charges of rape and aggravated burglary. Justice Michael Mettyear set sentencing for Sept. 28.
Indecency charges to go to Grand Court
Errington Albert Webster appeared in Summary Court on Tuesday, when he elected Grand Court as the venue for charges of gross indecency against him to be heard.
Cocaine conspirator given 6.5-year prison sentence
Alexander Adrian Ebanks was sentenced on Thursday to 6.5 years’ imprisonment after pleading guilty to offenses that included seven charges of conspiracy to supply controlled drugs.
Crown: Aspinall sentence ‘lenient’
Cayman Islands prosecutors will appeal a 3.5 year prison sentence given earlier this month to a local accountant who admitted to stealing nearly US$500,000 from two investment funds he managed during a liquidation process.
Carpark injuries sent to Grand Court
An incident in the parking lot outside Fete Night Club over the weekend led to two charges of wounding with intent against Desly Kishon Missick, who appeared in Summary Court on Tuesday.
Wounding charge sent to Grand Court
A West Bay man appeared in Summary Court on Tuesday charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm on Friday, Aug. 19.
Guilty plea entered in cocaine conspiracy
Alexander Adrian Ebanks, 25, pleaded guilty in Grand Court on Monday to conspiracy to import a kilo of cocaine.
Attempted murder charge sent to Grand Court
Kevin Corey Bowen was remanded in custody on Friday for a further appearance in Grand Court on charges of attempted murder and possession of an unlicensed firearm.
Winding up sought for second Bateman company
A court petition seeking to wind up a Cayman Islands-registered company once controlled by a man wanted locally on a grievous bodily harm charge was filed last week, after attempts to recover at least $4.8 million in the firm’s assets failed.
EDITORIAL – When children are forced to wait for justice
In 2012, a young girl stepped forward with the most serious of allegations – that she had been the victim of sustained sexual abuse. And then, she waited for someone to do something about it … and waited … and waited … and waited.
Arson charge sent to Grand Court
A woman accused of setting a fire that destroyed a number of buildings while their occupants, including two children, slept inside, had her application for bail denied Friday.
Justice Williams requests clarification
The report of court proceedings carried in your newspaper on Thursday, Aug. 11, headlined “Police dispute case delayed,” requires some clarification.
Crown alleges rape of young boy
A man facing two counts each of rape and indecent assault on a young boy had the charges against him transmitted to Grand Court after he appeared in Summary Court earlier this week.
Business in brief: DCI processes police clearances for business licenses
CUC declares dividend; New Walkers attorney admitted to Bar; Appleby shortlisted for 2017 IFC Caribbean Award and more.
Nearly 800 PR applicants await decision
An estimated 793 applications for permanent residence in the Cayman Islands have been filed under the revised Immigration Law that took effect on Oct. 26, 2013, including 182 applications that were filed this year.
Judge ‘astonished’ by delays in sexual abuse investigation
A judge has condemned “inexcusable delays” by police in investigating allegations of sustained serious sexual abuse made by an 11-year-old girl against older male relatives.
Reinstated prisons manager suspended again
A senior Cayman Islands prisons official who was reinstated by a Grand Court order in June has been suspended from her job again pending another investigation by the prison service, the Cayman Compass has learned.
Judge: Crown ‘overloading’ charges
A Cayman Islands Grand Court judge cautioned the Crown on Monday over what he said appeared to be an attempt to “overload” an indictment against an investment funds accountant who pleaded guilty to stealing nearly US$500,000.
Aspinall sentenced to 3.5 years
Robert Aspinall, 38, was sentenced to three-and-a-half years in prison Monday after pleading guilty to stealing nearly US$500,000 from two investment funds he managed during their liquidation in 2012 and 2013.
‘Perennial fraudster’ Levitt sued by former employer
An accountant who was convicted of stealing from a Cayman Islands law firm in 2013 now faces a civil court lawsuit as the firm seeks to recover the remaining cash it says he stole.
Man pleads guilty in North Side stabbing case
Facing a charge of attempted murder in connection with a stabbing in April, Maurice David Jackson, 23, pleaded guilty Monday to a lesser charge of grievous bodily harm.
Accountant enters jail ‘early’
Although he has not formally pleaded guilty, Cayman Islands accountant Rob Aspinall agreed to be remanded to Northward Prison on Friday to begin serving time on theft and fraud-related charges.
Immigration officer pleads guilty in deadly hit-and-run case
Nicholas Patrick Tibbetts pleaded guilty Friday to one criminal charge against him that resulted from a deadly April 2015 hit-and-run car accident.
Guilty plea in fatal 2015 smash
Donovan Kellyman pleaded guilty Friday in the Cayman Islands Grand Court to two charges filed against him in a deadly auto-pedestrian accident that occurred in April 2015.
Constitution: Judges may serve until age 70
Cayman Islands Grand Court judges may now serve on the bench until they reach age 70, according to amendments to the Cayman Islands Constitution Order, 2009, approved by the U.K. Privy Council and British Parliament.
Judge to rule Monday on release of GM mosquitoes
A judge will deliver her ruling on Monday on whether millions of genetically modified mosquitoes can be released in West Bay.
Judicial review of GM mosquito plan gets under way
A lawyer representing opponents of a planned release of millions of genetically modified mosquitoes in West Bay told a judicial review Tuesday that a “proper risk assessment” of the project had not been done.
Opening salvos in massive Saudi fraud case
One of Saudi Arabia’s wealthiest businessmen was accused, Tuesday, of a multi-billion-dollar fraud that led to one of the biggest corporate defaults in the kingdom’s history.
Lawsuits filed against developer
Two lawsuits have been filed against a local developer, one involving money a claimant alleges they are owed and a second involving a property foreclosure.
Two in court on child porn charges
Two men appeared in court Tuesday, charged in separate cases relating to child pornography.
Prisons official reinstated
A deputy prisons director who was fired in November 2015 over an incident in which another prison staffer was videotaped in the course of what was described as a covert investigation has won reinstatement.
