Sentencing adjourned for Roger Sealy after daughter, friends plead for mercy

Three character witnesses, including his daughter, testified on behalf of convicted murderer Roger Sealy at his sentencing hearing. The case has been adjourned to October 9.

Daughter and employer appeal for leniency as Sealy's sentencing delayed to October

Three character witnesses appeared before the No. 4 Supreme Court on Friday to plead for mercy on behalf of Roger Delisle Sealy, of Airy Cot, St Thomas, who was convicted by a jury earlier this year of murdering Samara Bristol, 30, between November 16 and 21, 2021. Barbados Today reports that sentencing submissions were not heard, as pre-sentencing and psychological assessment reports had not yet been completed.

Sealy was found guilty of killing Bristol, the daughter of his former girlfriend Samantha, and now faces a sentencing hearing before Justice Laurie-Ann Smith-Bovell.

His daughter, Rhea Sealy, addressed the court directly, asking Justice Smith-Bovell to show mercy and compassion. She described her father as "a hard man to dislike as he has one of the biggest hearts I know," and said he was well known in his neighbourhood for helping others without being asked.

Rhea added that Samara Bristol had been her own friend, and that the events of that night had changed both families' lives, weighing heavily on her father.

Friend Marset Clarke told the court she knew Sealy as "a genuine person, with principles and is friendly." She said the two would socialise with friends either at her home or near the mechanic shop where Sealy worked. "[In] this case, I am sorry to hear what happened and it is heartbreaking," Clarke said. She noted she had never personally met Samara or her mother, Samantha.

Wesley Chandler, Sealy's employer of 30 years, described him as the best automotive painter on the island. "He is a true friend to me and to my family. He is friendly and a bubbly guy. If he is your friend, no one can get between that," Chandler told the court. He said he hoped to one day see Sealy free again, working in the automotive industry.

Chandler told the court he had never witnessed Sealy lose his temper and was unaware of any previous convictions. When Justice Smith-Bovell asked whether he knew that Sealy and Bristol's mother had been experiencing difficulties in their relationship at the time of the killing, Chandler replied: "Roger Sealy would not have said anything about that. We did not speak at that level."

Defence attorney Sian Lange, who represents Sealy, informed the court that the pre-sentencing and psychological assessment reports had not been finalised, preventing sentencing submissions from proceeding as scheduled by both the prosecution and the defence.

Justice Smith-Bovell adjourned the matter until October 9. Acting Director of Public Prosecutions Alliston Seale SC and State Counsel Paul Prescod are leading the prosecution.

Source: Barbados Today