Prominent BVI businessman cleared of manslaughter, following successful MKS defence led by Charles Bott KC

Case: R vs Morrell | Friday 19th July 2024

Local businessman, Andy Morrell, was yesterday acquitted of gross negligence manslaughter in a high-profile criminal trial in the BVI.

Mr Morrell, represented by Charles Bott KC of Martin Kenney & Co (MKS), had been facing charges of manslaughter and three counts of causing serious injury, following a collision between two vessels on 16 October 2021, leading to the tragic death of popular local musician, Frandie Martin Jr.

The jury acquitted Mr Morrell of manslaughter, while the judge upheld a submission of no case upon three counts of causing serious injury at the close of the prosecution case. A fifth charge of failing to render assistance after an accident was dropped shortly before the trial.

Reacting to the verdict, Charles Bott KC, Head of Advocacy at MKS, said:

“I am delighted that we have been able help Andy Morrell to achieve the right result in this important case. The evidence, when it was properly tested, showed that he was not to blame for this tragic accident.

“Andy and his family have been through an awful ordeal and I hope they will be able to move on. They conducted themselves with great dignity through a stressful trial, in a case that aroused strong local feelings.

“I would like to thank Valerie Gordon and Jaavonne Taylor, who worked with me on this case: they were a great team and worked tirelessly. I would also like to thank colleagues at MKS for their support.”

Martin Kenney, Head of Firm at Martin Kenney & Co (MKS), added:

“I want to pay tribute to the work of our Head of Advocacy, Charles Bott KC and his junior, Jaavonne Taylor, of MKS for their sterling work in securing a unanimous jury verdict acquitting our client before the BVI High Court yesterday.

“Mr Morrell had been charged with gross negligence manslaughter arising from a boating accident in 2021 in the Sir Francis Drake Channel close to Road Harbour, Tortola, BVI. We firmly believed our client was innocent of the charge and gratefully all nine men and women of the jury agreed.

“This was a serious matter, as under BVI law a conviction for manslaughter carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment and can often lead to a long custodial sentence.”

Charles Bott KC of Martin Kenney & Co (MKS) represented Mr Morrell, assisted by Jaavonne Taylor of MKS and Valerie Gordon of GR Gordon and Co.

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