Character witnesses testify for killer

Three character witnesses, including convicted murderer Roger Delisle Sealy’s daughter, appealed for mercy when he returned to the No. 4 Supreme Court for his sentencing hearing on Friday.

Sealy, of Airy Cot, St Thomas, was convicted by a jury earlier this year, of murdering his former girlfriend’s daughter, Samara Bristol, 30, between November 16 and 21, 2021.

Asking Justice Laurie-Ann Smith-Bovell to show mercy and compassion, Rhea Sealy told the court that her father was “a hard man to dislike as he has one of the biggest hearts I know”. She said Sealy was well known in the neighbourhood for helping people without being asked.

Telling the court that Samara had been her friend, she said both families’ lives had changed since that night, which she said affected her father deeply.

Friend Marset Clarke said she knew Sealy as “a genuine person, with principles and is friendly”, and that they would socialise with friends at her house or by the mechanic shop where he worked.

“[In] this case, I am sorry to hear what happened and it is heartbreaking,” she said, adding that she had never met Samara or her mother, Samantha.

Wesley Chandler, Sealy’s boss, who had known him for 30 years, said he was the best automotive painter on the island.

Chandler said: “He is a true friend to me and to my family. He is friendly and a bubbly guy. If he is your friend, no one can get between that. I would not like to be the judge or jury in this case. I hope one day I will see Roger Sealy free again, doing what he does best in the automotive industry.”

Chandler said he had never experienced Sealy’s temper and was unaware of his previous convictions.

Asked by the judge if he knew that Sealy and Bristol’s mother had been experiencing trouble in their relationship at that time, Chandler responded: “Roger Sealy would not have said anything about that. We did not speak at that level.”

While the prosecution and defence were scheduled to make their sentencing submissions, defence attorney Sian Lange, who represents Sealy, told the court that his pre-sentencing and psychological assessment reports had not been completed.

Justice Smith-Bovell adjourned the case until October 9.

Acting Director of Public Prosecutions Alliston Seale SC and State Counsel Paul Prescod are the prosecutors.

(JB)