In a landmark ruling at the High Court in Kingstown, 27-year-old footballer Aaron Miller has been sentenced to 19 years imprisonment for a brutal assault that left his former coach with permanent injuries. Justice Rickie Burnett delivered the stern verdict on Friday, emphasizing the necessity of prolonged incarceration for repeat offenders who demonstrate persistent criminal behavior.
The case stemmed from a violent incident on January 4, 2023, in Layou, where Miller attacked Wade Jackson, his former football coach and longtime acquaintance, with a glass bottle. The assault rendered Jackson unconscious and caused significant head trauma. Medical reports confirmed lasting neurological damage, including recurrent headaches, light sensitivity, and visual disturbances.
Court proceedings revealed the attack was precipitated by an earlier altercation on January 1, 2023, when Miller allegedly assaulted Jackson’s son at a public event. Three days later, Jackson confronted Miller about threats made against his children, escalating into physical violence. Witnesses testified that Miller pursued Jackson and his children, hurling stones and bottles before ultimately striking Jackson multiple times in the head while he lay defenseless on the ground.
Justice Burnett referenced former Chief Justice Byron’s sentencing philosophy, noting that some offenders only respond to extended removal from society. The court established a 15-year starting point (50% of the maximum 30-year sentence) before adding four years for aggravating factors, including Miller’s previous convictions for assault occasioning bodily harm (2021), escaping lawful custody, and property damage.
Despite Miller’s self-representation and offers to sell his cattle (valued at EC$19,000) for compensation, the court found no mitigating circumstances. The judge emphasized the attack’s premeditated nature, its occurrence before minor children, and the severe lasting impact on the victim’s health and psychological wellbeing.
Miller will serve 18 years, 9 months and 11 days after accounting for time already spent in remand. Crown representative Devon Bute prosecuted the case, which resulted from an 8-1 guilty verdict by a nine-member jury in November 2023.