Leon Riley could appeal his rape conviction again
By Zaya Williams
A few days ago, Leon Riley, who was retried and convicted for rape and serious indecency a few months ago, was slapped with an 18-year sentence.
But that may not be the last time he sets foot in court as his lawyer, Wendel Robinson, says he plans to appeal.
Riley’s conviction relates to unlawful sexual intercourse with a 15-year-old girl near Pensioners Beach in 2016.
Initially arrested and charged with this offense in April 2016, Riley was found guilty by a jury of rape and serious indecency, receiving a 15-year jail sentence.
However, in November 2021, his conviction was overturned by the Eastern Caribbean Court of Appeal.
The Court of Appeal ordered a retrial, which commenced a few months ago under the guidance of a new judge, Justice Ann-Marie Smith. Riley was retried and found guilty in June.
And this time, he got an even heftier sentence.
Riley was sentenced on Tuesday to 18 years for rape and 9 for serious indecency but the sentences will run simultaneously but the time he has already spent in prison has to be deducted.
His lawyer says that his client maintains that he is innocent and will, therefore be trying to get the conviction and sentence overturned once again.
This story was first published by Antigua News on : antigua.news/2023/11/03/leon-riley-could-appeal-his-rape-conviction-again. © 2023 Antigua News. Republication without permission is not allowed.
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Bridget Luke November 3, 2023, 5:56 PM