The Tribune

By LAMECH JOHNSON

Tribune Staff Reporter

ljohnson@tribunemedia.net

AN attorney representing a man appealing conviction for a 2005 drug-related murder asked the court to be withdrawn from the case.

Roger Gomez II, who was appointed at the public's expense to represent Damian Stuart, 28, told Court of Appeal judges yesterday that he could no longer represent his client.

Stuart, of Grenvell Avenue, was convicted in August 2008 for the 2005 drug-related murder of Terrance Bowles in Grand Bahama.

Bowles, 27, at the time, was shot and killed during an argument at an apartment complex in the Gardens Villa Subdivision.

Stuart was convicted and sentenced to 30 years in prison.

Mr Gomez II said yesterday his client wanted to argue his appeal on grounds that, in his view, were not going to help his appeal.

The attorney added that although Stuart accepted his advice to abandon the appeal against his sentence, he still wanted to argue grounds against conviction that he did not find arguable.

Once he explained this to the court, he asked to be relieved of duties as Stuart's attorney.

Mr Gomez II was allowed to be withdrawn from the appeal and the matter was adjourned to July 25 for mention.

A new attorney will be appointed and will receive trial transcripts and documents relevant to the case from Mr Gomez II.