In a landmark judicial ruling, High Court Justice Nalini Singh has permanently stayed murder and related charges against Neville Junior Simon, also known as Allan Knott, from Ste Madeleine. The decision comes after the prosecution withdrew a previously accepted plea agreement, which the court deemed an abuse of process.
The case stemmed from a violent September 2021 incident where Simon was charged with murdering one-year-old Sirah Williams, attempted murder and wounding with intent against the baby’s grandmother Michelle Jillian Williams, and common assault against Nikitak Williams.
Justice Singh’s detailed ruling found that the State acted unfairly and unlawfully when it reversed its acceptance of a plea to unlawful act manslaughter after announcing that acceptance in open court and proceeding with sentencing preparations. The prosecution’s withdrawal occurred on the morning of the scheduled plea agreement hearing, with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions invoking Section 8 of the Criminal Procedure Act.
The court determined that the plea process had advanced beyond preliminary discussions, creating a binding commitment. Justice Singh emphasized that the defense had relied on this acceptance to its detriment by signing agreed facts, disclosing mitigation material, and preparing for sentencing. The court itself had acted on the assurance by managing the case toward disposition.
Justice Singh’s ruling stated that allowing the prosecution to proceed after such a withdrawal would undermine the integrity of the criminal justice system and erode public confidence in plea bargaining processes. The court ordered Simon’s immediate discharge and barred the use of any statements, documents, or admissions made during plea discussions in any future proceedings.
The 2021 police report indicated that baby Sirah was in her grandmother’s arms when a man began arguing with family members, allegedly returning with a cutlass and striking both the infant and grandmother. Simon was represented by the Public Defenders’ Department, while the State was represented by a team of prosecutors.