Former Bishop Clarence Williams’ sexual assault conviction quashed

– new trial ordered

BY DELANA ISLES

The court of appeal has quashed a sexual assault conviction against exBishop Clarence Williams, ordering a new hearing as the fairness of his trial was compromised by improper questions.

The judgement was delivered on Wednesday, February 8, having been heard before the three appellate judges on January 23.

Representing Williams at his appeal were King’s Counsel Jerome Lynch and attorney Mark Fulford, while appearing for the Crown were King’s Counsel Oliver Smith and attorney Tamika Grant.

The complainant in the case is a mentally challenged adult male suffering from paranoid schizophrenia.

The alleged incident occurred sometime between September and November 2017, when the complainant was riding his bicycle in Five Cays.

According to court documents, he stopped for a rest near the entrance that leads to the Church of God of Prophecy, where he met the appellant (Williams) who was a Bishop of the church.

Williams was sitting in his car and a conversation ensued during which he invited the complainant to his office to collect $6 for lunch. The man accepted and later in the day he rode his bicycle to Williams' office.

There, Williams is alleged to have told him he was sweaty, smelt badly, and invited him to use the bathroom facility at the office.

“The appellant led (the complainant) to his sink and took a cloth/flannel from the shower nearby and proceeded to wash (the complainant’s) body eventually making his way to his genitalia,