Amanda Clift-Matthews of Doughty Street Chambers and Kyan Pucks of QEB Hollis Whiteman, instructed by Richard Sallybanks and Christina Josephides of BCL Solicitors LLP represented pro bono a prisoner serving a life sentence in the Bahamas in his appeal to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council. The appeal was heard on 10 December 2024, following which he was released on bail following 34 years in custody.
The Privy Council has handed down judgment and allowed the appeal.
In 1992, their client was convicted of murder and sentenced to death in the Bahamas. In 1996, his sentence was commuted by the Privy Council to one of life imprisonment. The Privy Council has varied its decision and advises His Majesty to quash the sentence of life imprisonment and remit sentencing to the Supreme Court in the Bahamas.
The Judgment can be found here.
Kyan Pucks