Recent Decisions of the Criminal Division of the High Court Nevis Circuit
Basseterre, St. Kitts – February 6, 2026 (SKNIS): The Criminal Division of the High Court, Nevis Circuit, presided over by Mr Justice Iain Morley KC, has recently concluded several matters involving offences ranging from unlawful wounding and indecent assault to armed robbery and arson. The matters were heard between January 21 and February 6, 2026.
In Rex v Malik Parris, heard on January 21, 2026, Malik Parris, 26, pleaded guilty to unlawful wounding arising from an incident on January 8, 2024, in which he attacked Kyle Danet with a machete and later struck him with a stone, causing multiple lacerations requiring 19 stitches. Medical evidence established that Parris suffers from intellectual disability and likely schizophrenia, possibly linked to a childhood fall, as well as a history of cannabis use disorder. The court noted his previous good character, rehabilitation efforts, and the victim’s full recovery. Parris was sentenced to two years imprisonment suspended for two years and ordered to pay EC$5,000 compensation within one month, with six months imprisonment in default.
On January 26, 2026, in Rex v Irving Challenger, Irving Challenger, 70, pleaded guilty to indecent assault committed on May 28, 2025, against a visiting tourist. While working as a taxi driver, Challenger engaged in inappropriate over-clothing touching after transporting the victim. The victim made an immediate report to police. Taking into account his previous good character and the circumstances of the offence, Challenger was sentenced to 10 months imprisonment suspended for two years.
Sentencing was delivered on January 29 and 30, 2026, in Rex v Clijuarn Henry, Javauni Edwards, T’Quan Pennyfeather, Tarique Hanley, Kennedy Rodriguez, and Lukelly Carmichael, relating to a planned armed robbery at Rams Supermarket on August 20, 2023. The court heard that the robbery was extensively planned, involved multiple firearms, and included threats to staff and an assault on a security guard. The perpetrators later commandeered a vehicle during their escape before being apprehended following police pursuit and investigation. The court commended the victims and the thorough police investigation. Final sentences imposed were: Henry – 10 years; Edwards – 10 years; Pennyfeather – 9 years; Rodriguez – 9 years; Hanley – 9 years; and Carmichael – 8 years imprisonment, all on concurrent counts of assault with intent to rob.
In Rex v Ederson Taylor, heard on February 4, 2026, Ederson Taylor, 66, pleaded guilty to wounding with intent following an arson attack on May 8, 2023. Taylor threw an incendiary device into the home of Leroy Browne, causing extensive fire damage to four buildings and resulting in second-degree burns to Browne. The offence occurred on the same date Taylor was due to make a court-ordered payment to Browne. Taylor received eight years imprisonment and was ordered to pay EC$10,000 compensation within three months, with six months imprisonment in default.
Most recently, on February 6, 2026, in Rex v Elric Pemberton, Elric Pemberton, 19, pleaded guilty to indecent assault committed on September 16, 2025, involving a fellow military recruit. The offence involved unwanted physical contact following repeated verbal refusals. The court emphasised the importance of consent, noting the wider community message that “no means no.” Pemberton, previously of good character, received six months imprisonment suspended for 12 months.
The Criminal Division continues to emphasise accountability, deterrence, and rehabilitation while recognising the impact of offences on victims and the wider community.