Latest news with #WilliamBooth
Eyewitness News
25-07-2025
- Eyewitness News
BT Football Academy yet to provide explanation for what went wrong with Europe trip
CAPE TOWN - BT Football Academy is yet to provide an explanation for what went wrong with the trip involving 34 teen footballers and 4 coaches. The group flew to Spain earlier in July to take part in an international football tournament. ALSO READ: - Jubilation and tears as last batch of BT Football Academy players who were stranded in Europe welcomed home - Last batch of BT Football Academy players who were stranded in Portugal land in Cape Town - Grandmother to one of the boys stranded in Portugal relieved he's finally coming home But they were left stranded after they discovered their flights home hadn't been booked, despite their parents forking out R50,000 for the trip. Law Society's criminal law committee chairperson, William Booth, said parents who wish to take legal action against the academy could be compensated due to the fact that return tickets were never booked. 'My view is that at least theft and or fraud would be applicable in this instance. Then what laws or regulations does the academy appear to have violated? "Well, look, obviously the common law of theft or fraud, and then you've got laws possibly in terms of the Immigration Act and the Child Justice Act.'
Eyewitness News
26-05-2025
- Eyewitness News
Joshlin Smith trial: Accused in for a rough time as sentencing proceedings get underway
CAPE TOWN - Criminal defence attorney William Booth said Kelly Smith and two others could be in for a tough time when sentencing proceedings get underway in the kidnapping and human trafficking case of little Joshlin Smith. Kelly, Jacquen Appollis, and Steveno van Rhyn were found guilty of having a hand in the girl's disappearance more than a year ago. There are claims that Joshlin may have been sold to a traditional healer for R20,000. Sentencing proceedings are set to get underway at the Western Cape High Court this week. Booth said that the court said the lack of remorse from the trio may work against them in sentencing. 'So, the fact that the child has not been recovered, either a body or found if she is still alive is an aspect that I believe could be regarded as aggravating. The State will present evidence requesting the maximum sentence to be imposed.' But he said the decision about time served is never an easy decision. 'A sentence of life imprisonment can potentially be imposed for the offence of human trafficking. A court can, after hearing all the arguments for and against, determine that there are substantial and compelling circumstances which could justify a lesser sentence.'
