Paul Lewis' verdict looms

WESTERN BUREAU: INTERNATIONAL TELEVANGELIST Dr the Reverend Paul Lewis will have to spend another weekend behind bars before a verdict is handed down in the carnal abuse and indecent assault trial.

Justice Leighton Pusey yesterday extended the sitting of the Westmoreland Circuit Court to Monday to facilitate a ruling from the seven-member jury that was empanelled for the week-long trial.

Dr Lewis' lawyer, Keith Bishop, closed his case on Friday. Additionally, both the prosecution and the defense gave their closing arguments.

Justice Pusey did his summation of the highly publicised trial and turned it over to the jury to deliberate and decide the fate of the clergyman.

The televangelist, who has a huge local and international following through his The Messengers For Christ Ministries World Healing Centre based in New York, remained behind bars throughout the proceedings as his $300,000 bail had been revoked.

- Sheena Gayle