“Justice was served”
Miss Paula Llewellyn, Director of Public Prosecutions, hailed Friday’s Appeal Court verdict as historic. And a victory not only for her office but also for victims of crime. It was her office’s first sentencing appeal.
On Friday, October 28, 2022, The Court of Appeal quashed a 12-year sentence imposed on Westmoreland gangster Lindell Powell for two murders. Instead, the court imposed life sentences for each of the two counts. And stipulated that Powell serve twenty-four years and seven months before he is eligible for parole.
The trial Judge, Justice Bertram Morrison, had sentenced Powell to twelve years on both counts of murder and ordered that he serve ten years before parole consideration.
DPP appealed the sentences and secured a win. Her department’s first use of a 2021 law gives state prosecutors the right to appeal sentences and acquittals.
In challenging the sentence, Llewellyn called it unduly lenient and inappropriate. She had recommended Powell be sentenced to life with a 20-28 years pre-parole stretch.
Following the court’s ruling, Llewellyn enthusiastically and repeatedly said: “Justice was served.”
“Justice was served.”
“Certainly, on this side. On behalf of the prosecution – which comprises not only prosecutors but investigators and, of course, the victims of crime. It is indeed gratifying to see it demonstrated that the pendulum of justice not only swings in the direction of the accused but also for the victims of crime,” said the island’s chief prosecutor.
Llewellyn remarked that the judges dealt with all the issues that had arisen and were very detailed in their judgment.