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  Paul Lewis Denies Carnal Abuse Charges

By Horace Hines
Jamaica Obsrver
June 10, 2011

http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/Paul-Lewis-denies-carnal-abuse-charges_8989568

SAVANNA-LA-MAR, Westmoreland — Embattled US-based clergyman Pastor Paul Lewis yesterday testified in his closely-watched trial, denying charges that he had sex with an underage girl.

The pastor took the witness box during the trial in the Westmoreland Circuit Court — which is closed to the media — a day after Justice Leighton Pusey denied a no-case submission from his attorney.

During his submission on Wednesday, attorney Keith Bishop cited discrepancies in the case presented by the prosecution.

But in dismissing the submission, Pusey noted that the prosecution, in fact, presented a strong case. During the trial that started last Wednesday, seven persons testified on behalf of the prosecution.

The defence is expected to continue to present its case before the seven-member panel of jurors today.

Lewis was arrested in June of 2009 after allegedly having sexual intercourse with a 15-year-old girl and fondling her 14-year-old friend at a hotel.

Lewis will also return to the Savanna-la-Mar Resident Magistrate's Court today to answer to the charge of attempting to pervert the course of justice.

The charge of attempting to pervert the course of justice followed allegations that Lewis, using an intermediary, offered money to the complainant in the carnal abuse matter in a bid to get her to change her statement.

 
 

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