Finally - Decision (or could there be another one....)

Finally we have a decision from the court. However, the information has only been passed on from Steven so we are awaiting confirmation of the decision from the Honorary Consul.

Steven must serve 18 months prior to him being set free and returned to the UK. However, this could be reduced if he 'pays' for work days thus reducing his sentence potentially by half, however, we are aware that the wardens are exceptionally flexible with the administration of this somewhat interesting system and thus, we would rather work on 18 months and be surprised if his release happens earlier than that.

We are faced now with the dilemma of weighing the benefits of having Steven retuned via the PTA (Prisoner Transfer Agreement) or waiting until his sentence is up and complete. The benefit of having him transferred is that he will be afforded all the resources required from the Probation department and educational information and help with his release. He will not receive any of this if he is simply retuned to the UK as a free man in 18months time.

We are waiting to hear from the FCO what they are prepared to do.

In the meantime we are continuing the support we have for the last 8 months by sending books, money and by being in touch at least every 7 days. We are also preparing things back here for when he returns to the UK and may even get a chance to visit Nicaragua and help out more locally as well. We shall see what the future brings.

We want to say thank you to everyone who is interested in this man and for those who have prayed and offered money to help him. We are so very grateful and we know that Steven is overwhelmed by the support he is receiving.