Anchorage case: HC dismisses appeal to stay acquittals

The Bombay High Court dismissed an appeal filed by the state government to stay the acquittal order of two Britons and an Indian in a paedophilia case.

The Bombay High Court on Thursday dismissed an appeal filed by the state government to stay the acquittal order of two Britons and an Indian in a paedophilia case.

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Division bench of Justices Bilal Nazki and S A Bobde dismissed the appeal as the prosecution failed to clarify the basic law point in the case.

Two British nationals, Duncan Grant and Allen Waters, who run 'Anchorage', a shelter for children, were acquitted by the court on Wednesday citing lack of evidence. The duo were accused of indulging in paedophilia with children staying in the shelter.

William D'Souza, an Indian who allegedly aided the two, was also acquitted in the case.

Earlier in March 2006, the trio were convicted by a Sessions Court and the two Britons got six years rigorous imprisonment. D'souza had been sentenced to three years imprisonment.

They had appealed to the Bombay High Court seeking an acquittal, while the state had appealed for an enhancement of the sentence, which was struck down.