‘Man without means’

Defence says lawyer who stole more than $450 000 can’t repay money

Lawyers in the case of convicted attorney-at-law Norman Leroy Lynch made submissions on sentencing before the High Court on Friday, with the defence counsel indicating the disgraced lawyer was in no position to repay the money he stole.

When the convicted thief’s case was called before the No. 2 Supreme Court, Justice Randall Worrell asked Acting Senior State Counsel Romario Straker and Lynch’s attorney Marlon Gordon to address him on the issue of compensation and delay.

Lynch has been on remand at Dodds Prison since May 2022 after being found guilty of stealing $50 000 belonging to the estate of Arthur O’Neal Thomas between August 18, 2005, and December 21, 2008.

He was also convicted of stealing $407 634, the proceeds of a FirstCaribbean International Bank cheque made payable to Leroy Lynch and belonging to Thomas’ estate, between June 22, 2007, and December 21, 2008; as well as money laundering in the disposal of $457 634, being the proceeds of crime, also

between June 22, 2007, and December 21, 2008.

Justice Worrell made reference to the cases of other convicted attorneys, Cheraine Parris and Ernest Jackman, who had paid back some of what they had taken, noting that was a mitigating factor.

The judge also pointed out that during the course of Lynchs’ trial, the complainants stated they had not received a “red cent” from him. He asked the defence for further submissions on that aspect.

In addressing the judge, Gordon stated that his client had “no financial assets at this point in his life”.

“My instructions are that he is not in any position to pay . . . the parties,” he said. “He is a man without means.”

On the issue of delay, Gordon suggested that 18 months be deducted from his client’s starting sentence after several factors were considered, including the COVID-19 lockdown which impacted court hearings.

However, Straker disagreed. The prosecutor argued that the fact none of the money was repaid was an aggravating feature, especially given the breach of trust.

After hearing the submissions, Justice Worrell adjourned the case until next Monday, April 24 when Lynch is expected to be sentenced. ]]>