The Tribune

THE Court of Appeal has rejected Dwight Knowles' appeal against his sentence in connection with the armed robbery and murder of businessman Keith Carey.

Knowles had argued that his 11-year sentence for robbery and conspiracy to commit robbery was unjustly harsh.

But Court President Anita Allen and Justices Abdulai Conteh and Christopher Blackman told Knowles that although he did not pull the trigger, he was the master-mind of the robbery that cost the life of a family man.

Justice Allen said the Court of Appeal would not interfere with the sentence handed down by Supreme Court Senior Justice Jon Isaacs.

Justice Blackman noted that Knowles never admitted his guilt, which could have affected his sentence, and that he "cased" the victim's Esso-on-The-Run gas station for several weeks prior to the robbery at the Bank of the Bahamas on February 27, 2006.

Justice Blackman told Knowles Senior Justice Isaacs was actually "merciful" to him.

Dwight Knowles said he is now 31-years-old and asked the court to help him get computer and welding classes at Her Majesty's Prison.

The prosecution was directed to write to the prison about the rehabilitation of the convict while he serves his time.

Knowles said he did not appeal the conviction because he did not want to be subjected to a retrial like his former co-accused, Jamal Glinton.

Justice Conteh asked Knowles if he noted what happened to Glinton, who is now serving a 57-year sentence.

Michelle Carey, the victim's wife, was outside the court yesterday and appeared happy with the outcome of the hearing.

Knowles was not represented in court yesterday. Assistant Director of Legal Affairs Neil Brathwaite, Raymond Hanna and Darnell Dorsett appeared for the Crown.