Al Miller loses appeal

Barbara Gayle, Justice Coordinator

The Court of Appeal has dismissed the application brought by popular clergyman Reverend Al Miller who was appealing his conviction for negligence of a firearm.

The court handed down its ruling this morning.

Miller’s lawyer Robert Fletcher had argued that Resident Magistrate Lorna Shelly-Williams erred when she convicted the pastor last year in relation to the theft of his firearm.

Fletcher contended that Miller did not get a fair trial as the RM did not admit and receive the oral evidence of a policeman who had investigated the case.

However, the appeals court shot down those arguments and said the magistrate was justified in convicting Miller.

The court scolded the pastor over his handling of his firearm.

The appeals court stressed that the right granted to hold a firearm is one which carries heavy responsibility and the weapon should not be left in a manner to attract thieves, murderers or even merely curious persons.

The appeals court said it agreed with the magistrate that Miller was grossly negligent for leaving his firearm in his car, while he went to pick plums.

When Miller was convicted last year he was sentenced to three months in jail or a fine of $80,000.

The fine has been paid.

Director of Public Prosecutions Paula Llewellyn and Yanique Gardner represented the crown in the case.

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