Disbarred Lawyer Handed 18-Month Sentence

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Disbarred lawyer Ralph Jan Ward has been sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment for stealing $1.7 million from eight clients in 2006 and 2007. 

The 64-year-old’s sentence could be extended by four years if he doesn’t pay restitution of $1.8 million, inclusive of 2.5 percent interest, to his victims.

Ward was allowed to remain on bail to facilitate the repayment after he pleaded guilty to stealing by reason of service and fraudulent breach of trust last August.

However, Ward was unable to come up with the money.

Justice Cheryl Grant-Thompson has recommended that the former lawyer spend his time in medium security and be allowed to give legal classes to inmates.