Former bellman at the Royal Oasis Resort, Jonathan Nathaniel Davis, 46, who was sentenced to eight years in March for the September 1, 2000 killing of Robert Nelson Pratt, 48, was set free yesterday after the Court of Appeal overturned his manslaughter conviction.
Mr. Davis’ attorney, Simeon Brown, said the conviction was overturned because the trial judge failed to direct the jury adequately on the issue of self- defence.
Describing the day as a “glorious day,” Mr. Brown said that Mr. Davis was extremely happy to return to Grand Bahama and to his family.
“Of course, Mr. Davis, being a family man, thanks God for the opportunity to return to his family and society and to carry on with his life in a God-fearing manner,” Mr. Brown said.
Two men passing in the area of Balao Road and Ariel Place in September 2000, looking for a house discovered the body of Pratt face-down on the southern side of the road sometime during the early afternoon hours in the Arden Forest area.
One of the passers-by reported initially noticing a shoe. Then after looking closer, he saw what looked like black pants and then realized, after taking an even closer look, that it was a man’s body.
A bunch of keys were also discovered in the road. The stop sign appeared to have been run over and what appeared to be the bumper of a car was positioned near the sign.
A vehicle was found in the immediate area and it later turned out to be owned by Pratt’s then bed-ridden mother.
Pratt died from a head injury, and Davis was arraigned in a Freeport Magistrate Court six days later.
The Supreme Court trial began on Monday, February 14 2005 and after nearly two- weeks of testimonies, the Jury found Davis guilty of manslaughter.
Prosecutor Joyann Ferguson Pratt represented The Crown and called more than a dozen witnesses.
A 12-member jury also heard from the accused and two additional defense witnesses.
The jury then found Pratt not guilty of murder: 12-0, but guilty of manslaughter: 10-2.
Mr. Brown, who apeared along with attorney Carlson Shurland, said he was pleased with the end result and knows that justice has been served.
SIMEON BROWN & JONATHAN DAVIS
