Attorney Ernest Winston Jackman who was convicted of stealing and using over half a million dollars of a client’s money says he is “embarrassed and ashamed” to be appearing before the law court in this “capacity and position”.
The 67-year-old St Philip resident made the declaration as he addressed Madam Justice Pamela Beckles on Monday.
Jackman has been on remand at Dodds prison since May 31 after being found guilty by a jury of stealing $678 414.75 from HEJ Limited between June 23, 2006 and March 5, 2007.
He was also convicted of engaging in money laundering by disposing of the sum between June 23, 2006 and October 18, 2011.
“I am both embarrassed and ashamed to be appearing before this court in this capacity and position. I deeply regret the action taken by me.
“I accept the verdict of the jury and like I said, I sincerely apologise for what has happened,” the lawyer said.
Giving evidence during the trial the complainant John Huggins, now 85 years old, revealed that he is the principal shareholder and managing director for HEJ Limited. He said he built five townhouses, sold four and resided in the fifth but only received money from Jackman, who represented him in the transactions, for three of the properties. The fourth, he said, was sold on August 6, 2006 for $745 000 and he eventually received $50 000 from Jackman after taking the matter before the Barbados Bar Association.
But Jackman told Justice Beckles: “This was a transaction that had broken down. It was not deliberate on my part to deprive Mr Huggins of his property. It was a transaction that fell through . . .
“I have done wrong – I do not, cannot, will not even for one moment pretend otherwise. My action has been and continues to be a source of shame and embarrassment for me . . . . My embarrassment and shame extend to my family . . . I deeply regret the pain that I have caused them.”
He added that he had made “great efforts” to repay the money and was still “desirous” of doing so.
“To date I have paid the sum of $392 000 with the balance remaining unpaid.It is my desire to pay the balance of the money belonging to the complainant. I have always intended to do so and will take action to try and have that done.
“While it is not possible to be able to do so from where I am in prison, I am requesting to be allowed the scope and opportunity to do so.
“The complainant had stated that he would like to be paid the balance of the money due . . .and I am desirous of doing so.”
Jackman urged the court for “compassion and mercy” and to extend “leniency” as it dealt with the matter.
“I am asking that the court impose a non-custodial sentence in the circumstances. I again sincerely apologise to the court, to the complainant and to my family. I am asking the clemency of the court in this matter,” the convicted lawyer added.
