The petition is granted. Eric Williams is hereby afforded a belated appeal of the judgment and sentence in case number 04-1689C in the Circuit Court for Bay County. Upon issuance of mandate in this cause, a copy of this opinion will be provided to the clerk of the circuit court, with directions that it be treated as a notice of appeal. Fla. R.App. P. 9.141(c)(5)(D).

The circuit court is directed to appoint counsel to represent petitioner in the appeal, if he qualifies for such an appointment.