BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – VERNON LAKE officially took up residence at Her Majesty’s Prison yesterday (Mar. 4) after being found guilty of a sexual offence.

Lake’s case began on Wednesday at the Basseterre High Court of Justice, where he was accused of indecently assaulting a young female.

A jury of his peers was charged with listening to all evidence presented and determining whether he was guilty as charged or whether the presumption of innocence he enjoyed at the commencement of the trial was to be maintained.

After deliberations concluded, the jury found that the evidence proved the Newton Ground man committed the 2008 offence. 

Trial judge, His Lordship Justice Francis Belle, sentenced Lake to five years imprisonment.

Meanwhile, Kevin Jones of Conaree Village was recently tried for a December 28, 2007 offence of rape, committed at Canada Estate.

He was convicted of the offence and was to be sentenced yesterday at the Basseterre High Court.

The process of sentencing was however halted because the social inquiry report, which the court ordered, has not yet been received. The court was informed that the probation officer, who was responsible for preparing the report, was seeking additional time for its completion. 

A one-week extension was granted and Jones will be taken back to the court on Thursday, March, 2010 where he is expected to be sentenced.