Sun | Dec 14, 2025

Last-minute defence filing stalls Silvera’s bail appeal, hearing to continue June 3

Published:Tuesday | March 25, 2025 | 6:53 PM

Former People's National Party lawmaker Jolyan Silvera’s bail appeal has been postponed to June 3 after prosecutors sought time today to respond to a last-minute filing by the defence.

The matter was scheduled to be heard in the Court of Appeal this afternoon.

However, Silvera's legal team served an additional affidavit on the prosecution as the matter hearing was getting under way.

Silvera is accused of the shooting-murder of his wife, Melissa.

The 52-year-old businessman, who has been in custody since January last year, was denied bail in May 2024 and remanded for trial on January 12, 2026.

However, he has appealed the decision.

Melissa Silvera was found dead in the couple's home in Stony Hill, St Andrew, on November 10, 2023.

It was initially reported that the 42-year-old woman had died in her sleep from natural causes. However, an autopsy performed three weeks after her death revealed that she had died from gunshot wounds.

Three bullet fragments were found inside her body, leading the police to commence a murder investigation.

King’s Counsel Peter Champagnie and attorney-at-law Patrice Riley are representing Silvera.

Assistant Director of Public Prosecution Dwayne Green appeared for the Crown.

- Tanesha Mundle

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