Wheelchair Bound, Old Man facing charges of Sexual Assault of a Minor

By Wilkie Arthur

Freelance Court Reporter

#TurksandCaicos, June 29, 2023 – He is a man, well on in years, said to be in his sixties. He has serious health complications and is wheelchair bound.  Still, in 2019 the TCI Police charged GEORGE LIGHTBOURE with sexual assault of a minor.

Mrs. Nayasha Hatmin is representing the Crown in this matter and Mrs. Sheena Mair, is defence for the accused.

On Tuesday 20th June, 2023, a hearing was held in the defendant’s absence as the office of the DPP made clear that they are eager for this matter to be tried regardless of the defendant’s health or physical position.

Ms. Mair is attempting to challenge the entire process on medical grounds.

The near four-year-old criminal proceedings against the old man has been adjourned to another mention hearing date of  July 7 2023. The learned Justice Tayna Lobban Jackson request a full updated progress report on this matter at the next date of hearing.

Issues discussed at the hearing was a “diagnosis and prognosis” report or findings.”

“The accused’s fitness to plea” and “disclosure of some aspect of the accused’s personal medical to the Crown from defense attorney Sheena Mair”.