Another delay in pastor’s carnal abuse case
SAVANNA-LA-MAR, Westmoreland — The carnal abuse case against Pastor Paul Lewis, the popular US-based clergyman accused of having sex with a minor, is scheduled to be mentioned in the Westmoreland Circuit Court today after being delayed for a second straight day on Tuesday.
The latest postponement of the trial stemmed from the absence of two crown witnesses — the mothers of the two minors — who both reportedly ended up in hospital between Monday night and Tuesday morning.
Monday’s delay was due to the failure of a juror to return to court after the lunch break. A panel of seven jurors were selected during the morning session of court and were ordered to return in the afternoon for the trial to proceed.
Today, Lewis is also scheduled to answer a charge of attempting to pervert the course of justice.
The latest charge followed allegations that Lewis using an intermediary, offered money to the complainant in the carnal abuse matter in a bid to get her to change her statement.