It doesn't look like Neil Bantleman will be home for Christmas.
The former Burlington resident, released from jail in Indonesia earlier this year, must remain in the country until there is ruling on an appeal launched after his guilty verdict was overturned.
The appeal of the decision by the High Court, which set aside his conviction on Aug. 14 and resulted in his release from prison, has been filed with the Supreme Court by the prosecutor's office, said Neil's older brother Guy Bantleman.
"At this time we wait on the Supreme Court to review all the material provided and opine on the matter. During this process, Neil remains free within Indonesia but is not permitted to leave the country," said Guy, a Burlington resident.
"We were hopeful that the end of 2015 would also bring an end to this nightmare and our family could celebrate Christmas together for the first time in three years, but that timeline at this point seems unrealistic.
"We remain positive that the outcome of the Supreme Court will reinforce the High Court decision and put an end to this injustice," Guy added.
"The fight for Neil's freedom will continue into the new year, but it is a fight we know we will win."
Neil Bantleman, a 46-year-old teacher and an Aldershot High School graduate, had been in prison in Indonesia since July 15, 2014.
On April 2 of this year he, along with friend and teaching assistant Ferdinant Tjiong, were found guilty of sex assault on three boys at the Jakarta International School (now Jakarta Intercultural School).
They were accused of drugging and raping three young boys who attended the JIS in March 2014.
Bantleman and Tjiong, who professed their innocence throughout, were given 10-year prison sentences.
Bantleman is a dual citizen of Canada and Great Britain.
His wife Tracy teaches at JIS.
His brother Guy and their parents, Hugh and Corinne, all live in Burlington.
Source: Neil Bantleman awaiting Supreme Court appeal decision in Indonesia
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