Trial on for Husband who allegedly set fire to home with wife inside

Wilkie Arthur

Freelance Court Reporter

#TurksandCaicos, December 15, 2023 – GRAND TURK police charged CEDRIC SIMMS with setting ablaze his sister-in-law’s home on November 13, 2022 while his wife and her sister, the home owner, were still inside; the trial in the matter is now into is second week at the Grand Turk Supreme Court.

On the trial start day, CEDRIC SIMMS, 43, advised his attorney, Lara Maroof-Misick that he wished to be tried by Judge alone and not with the Grand Turk jury that was waiting to be empaneled.

The trial, is on its second week and is now expected to run into a third week before his Lordship The Hon Mr. Justice Davidson Kevin Baptiste reaches a verdict in the sordid matter.

SIMMS is facing life in prison if convicted.

Allegations of domestic violence led the lower court to separate SIMMS from his family prior to the charge of “setting fire to building with persons therein”.

We learned that during trial, it was revealed that the fire did minimal damage to the residence; the fire was swiftly extinguished and damaged were pieces of clothing.

Prosecuting the matter for the Director of Public Prosecution is Sophia Sandy-Smith as guided by Principal Public Prosecutor Clement Joseph.