Jambo exonerated
By Terresa McCall
Reporter-SKNVibes.com
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(L-R) Franz ‘Jambo’ Stevens, his mother Melvina Stevens and his brother Talue
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BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – “TO God be the glory, great things He has done,” was the proclamation of Franz ‘Jambo’ Stevens following his acquittal of a charge of “inflicting grievous bodily harm”.
At about 2:30 yesterday (Sept. 29) afternoon, the jury impaneled to try Stevens returned to the courtroom and announced that it had found the man “not guilty” of the charge.
Stevens was accused of committing the offence on May 24, 2007 against Wendy Lechner, one of his business partners. According to her testimony, Stevens, herself and her sister Lorraine Lechner were present at a business meeting when he presented them a letter requesting EC$150 000 in exchange for his share of the company.
Wendy explained that voices were raised and Stevens was waving his hands in her face. Seeking to get his attention, she held the tip of his thumb at which point he held her around the throat and shoved her onto the floor.
The virtual complainant said the attack progressed and Stevens took a wooden chair and swung it at her head. She guarded her head from the blow and took the impact of the chair on her hands, which resulted in her falling to the ground and shattering her left wrist in the process. ~~Adz:Right~~
Stevens took the stand and told the jury that Wendy’s testimony was filled with untruths and said he was the victim in the incident. He further noted that he was attacked by the sisters and was forced to defend himself.
At about 1:15 p.m. the jury retired for deliberations and after little more than an hour, returned to the court and informed of its unanimous decision.
Trial judge, His Lordship Justice Francis Bell, told Steven that in light of the jury’s findings he was cleared of the charge and was free to leave the court.
Stevens’ mother, Melvina Stevens, and his brother who were in court to lend moral support, embraced him with open arms after the verdict was read.
“I feel relieved. To God be the glory, great things he has done. They attacked me and turned the story around…,” the freed man told SKNVibes.
His relatives informed this media house that they offered prayers on a daily basis for their relative and they did not fall on deaf ears.
