Court appearance

In classic Nicaraguan style Steven was told today at 10.00am that he was going to be in court to have his case reviewed. That is a day earlier than was anticipated. Still, whatever day it was, it was simply amazing that he actually found a solicitor that has got him to court, the fact his solicitor did not know there were other issues with the case is simply typical for the way things work in Nicaragua.

Steve went to court to be told that the reason he had not been called for a review earlier than this is becuase he has not paid the C$2500 fine that was imposed at his sentencing. In actual fact, he had given it to his solicitor at the time who had decided he would not pay the fine and keep the money for himself. This was two years ago, Steve only found out today. He has been ripped off by 3 solicitors to date who have done nothing for the money they have been paid, and that money has come from his family who simply do not have it.

So, today the honaray Consul sent US$40 from Prisoners Abroad based in the UK so he can buy food, yet he paid it to the court today as part payment towards the fine. We are now making arrangements for the the outstanding US$80 to be sent out and paid to the court so his case can be relisted.

We are told that once the fine is paid and the case relisted he will have his sentence reduced to 10 years as the original prosecution was for trafficking drugs into the country which is not right and a complete fabrication by the National Police of Nicaragua. How true this is I simply do not know but we can only go on what we have learnt to date and take it from there. We have made arrangements for the fine to be paid and Andy will be seeing his solicitor on Friday this week to clarify all the things Steven has been told today.

It is possible with the way things work, that is Steves sentence is reduced to 10 years at the next hearing and we can then get him deported back to the UK to serve out the remainder of his time, he could be back with his familly with 2 years. This is amazing, and we can only hope that all that has been said to Steven today is indeed the truth.

I want to thank all those people who prayed tonight for Steve and who have supported us thorugh this. There could be a long way to go yet and i am still awaiting a report from the embassy in Costa Rica concering the welfare and support Steven has had and should expect.

Who knows how this will pan out, but both Andy and I continue to follow all avenues the Lord has given us until they run dry.

Praise God for all his grace and mercy.