Charles Bott KC secures the acquittal of prominent British Virgin Islands businessman in high profile trial

On 18 July 2024, after a three-week trial in the High Court of the British Virgin Islands (BVI), Andy Morrell, a prominent local businessman was acquitted of manslaughter. The case was brought following a boating accident in October 2021 that resulted in the death of a popular musician, Frandy Martin Jr.

Described as the most widely discussed criminal trial of recent years in the British Virgin Islands, the case had been beset by controversy and aroused strong feeling in the Territory.  

Mr Morrell, represented by Charles Bott KC, faced charges of manslaughter and causing serious injury, following a collision between two vessels off the coast of Tortola.

The jury acquitted Mr Morrell of manslaughter after the judge had upheld a submission of ‘no case to answer’ 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 said:

‘This was an important case in the BVI which aroused strong feelings and tested the system of criminal justice in the Territory in a number of different ways.

The outcome showed that, in spite of procedural weaknesses,  the trial system has retained its independence and integrity. The judge and jury fulfilled their roles admirably under significant pressure.

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