Anguilla born Aston Lake (59), was sentenced to life in prison for the 1985 kidnapping, rape and murder of a five-year-old girl in St Maarten.
After spending 38 years in Curacao prison for his crimes, Ashton Lake will be released on July 1, 2022 and deported to his native island of Anguilla.
On Wednesday, April 6, the judge rendered the ruling of Ashton Lake’s release based on two conditions – whether there is a chance of recidivism and the position of the victim’s next of kin.
The judge referred to reports and statements from psychologists, the probation service and the director of the prison in Curacao where Lake has been imprisoned for a number of years.
The reports and statements also indicate that the chance of recidivism is extremely minimal and deemed non-existent by some, as the detainee has shown guilt, shame and regret. The reports suggest that Lake has grown in his empathic ability over the years.
Lake’s release date of July 1, 2022 will give the authorities in Anguilla the necessary time to prepare for his return.
The Court’s decision is final and there are no legal remedies for the next of kin to appeal against it.
