A presentencing report has been ordered on a father who pleaded guilty to three offences including assault.

Earl Thomas, of McClean’s Gap Britton’s Hill, St Michael admitted to the Chief Magistrate that he committed the offence against his daughters, 16 and 13, on December 31 last year.

The 43-year-old self-employed man also admitted to having a weapon, namely a cutlass, along McClean’s Gap, a public place.

The incident occurred when the three went to watch fireworks on the beach.

Thomas, told the District ‘A’ Magistrates’ Court that he “made a mistake” but was simply trying to discipline the two girls that day because they had separated from him.

He said he gave the 13-year-old a “slap” on the shoulder. “Before I know it the [older girl] start to scuffle. I told them to wait for me. I saw the amount of people on the beach and it had me scared looking for them.”

He was asked the reason for having the cutlass in his possession. Thomas explained that the weapon was concealed and it was to protect his family as he had been walking with several children. “I wanted it just in case . . . I made a mistake, I am very sorry sir,” he said.

The mother of the children who was in court explained that it was not the first time that “something like that happened.” She claimed that Thomas has a “problem with alcohol” and makes “noise”.

She said: “I just want him to keep away for me. I can’t stop the children from talking to him.”

But Thomas said the statements were not all true.

“The children just don’t like to listen. Is all girls and I am a man when I talk to them it does be problems,” he said.

Expressing concern about the “dysfunctional family relationship” and the need for counseling Chief Magistrate Weekes referred Thomas to a probation officer who was present in court.

He will make his next appearance on April 4 when it is expected that the report will be ready.

In the meantime Thomas is on $2 500 bail which he secured with one surety, pending sentencing.

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The man who was charged last year with allegedly murdering two women in the City, about a year apart, has made another appearance before the District ‘A’ Magistrates’ Court .

When Demetrico Ricardo Layne, 29 of Graham’s Alley, Nelson Street, St Michael, appeared before Chief Magistrate Ian Weekes he was sent back to the Barbados Prison Service at Dodds for another 28-day remand.

The murder accused who has been on remand since August 2021 will next appear before the court on February 1.

Layne is accused of murdering Olivia Cecelia Carter on July 27, 2020, as well as Odith Nicole Henriques on August 2, 2021.

He is not required to plead to the indictable charges before the Magistrates’ Court.

Carter’s body was discovered on the site of an abandoned school in Henry’s Lane, while Henriques, a 44-year-old Jamaican, was found in the yard of an abandoned house in Graham Alley, Beckwith Street. Both women were discovered naked.

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Pushing a police inspector and resisting a police constable on the job will cost a St Michael man.

Not only did Renaldo Ricardo Jones, of 3rd Avenue Licorish Village have to spend 21 days on remand pending sentence but he now has until April to compensate the officers a total of $3 000 or spend an alternative of 60 days in prison. He was also placed on a bond to keep the peace and be of good behaviour.

Jones had previously pleaded guilty to assaulting Inspector Anthony Cadogan and resisting Constable Jonathan Stuart as they executed their duties on December 12 last year.

The 36-year-old roofer also took responsibility for using insulting language towards Police Constable Keimar Gibson on the same day as he executed his duties, by saying: “You is a p***y hole.”

Jones also admitted that he breached Paragraph (17) Subparagraph (1) Clause (a) of the Emergency Management COVID-19 (Curfew) (Number 22) by being along Licorish Village, My Lords Hill, St Michael  without wearing a face mask, face shield or face covering over the mouth, nose or chin without reasonable explanation.

The District ‘A’ Magistrates’ Court had heard that lawmen were conducting an operation in the mentioned area when they came across persons not wearing masks. When approached, Jones became aggressive, used insulting language, pushed Inspector Cadogan, resisted PC Stuart and behaved violently on his arrest.

In giving his side of the story, Jones said they had just returned from the beach celebrating a birthday and Inspector Cadogan pushed him and “I pushed him off. I was not wearing a mask.”

Before Chief Magistrate Ian Weekes on Wednesday, Jones said: “To the court and the officers involved, I am sorry for what happened.”

But Weekes said: “That is not heartfelt at all. These young people have no social skills.”

In mitigating on his behalf, attorney-at-law Latisha Springer said her client had thrown himself at the mercy of the court by pleading guilty on his first appearance.

“He expressed to me that he is deeply sorry for what transpired with the officers,” she said.

Springer acknowledged that Jones had pushed the inspector, used insulting language and did not have a mask, but she said what was in his favour was that no weapon was used and the officer was not seriously injured.

The defence lawyer explained that her client did not have on a mask when the officers arrived at the location because he was having a drink at the time.

She submitted that no further incarceration should be imposed on Jones and urged the court to impose time served for the offences.

But the Chief Magistrate denied that request. Instead, he imposed a compensatory order for the father of three to pay $1 800 to Inspector Cadogan and $1 200 to Constable Stuart.

The monies must be paid by April 29 or Jones will spend 60 days at the Barbados Prison Service at Dodds.

For using the insulting language, he was placed on a bond to keep the peace for three months. If that bond is breached, Jones will have to pay the court $1 000 forthwith or face the alternative of 60 days in prison.

He was convicted, reprimanded and discharged for not wearing a mask.

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Three Vincentian men accused of several drug offences will remain at Dodds Prison for another 28 days.

Michael Montgomery Jackson, a 41-year-old boat captain from St Vincent; Brendon Elliston Ollivierre, a 40-year-old chief engineer from Bequia; and Jake-Jess McPherson King, a 26-year-old deck hand, also from Bequia, will reappear before the District ‘A’ Magistrates’ Court on January 27.

The trio is charged with importation, possession, possession with intent to supply and trafficking of cannabis on April 27, last year. The cannabis weighed 176.7 kilogrammes and had an estimated street value of BDS$707,600.

The Vincentians were not required to plead to the indictable charges. They have been on remand since their first appearance before Chief Magistrate Ian Weekes back in May last year.

Attorneys-at-law Queen’s Counsel Andrew Pilgrim and Latisha Springer are representing Ollivierre, defence attorney Angella Mitchell-Gittens represents Jackson, and King has Martie Garnes as his lawyer.

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Alleged money launderer, Trinidadian Damian Wayne Samuel who is also accused attempting to export over US$46 000 from Barbados without the necessary clearance, has been remanded to Dodds.

The 40-year-old carpenter from Sandy Trace, St Barb’s, Laventile, Trinidad will make his next appearance before the District ‘B’ Magistrates’ Court located in Horsehill, St Joseph on February 3.

Samuel is alleged to have engaged in the act of money laundering by being in possession of US$46 279 which is equivalent to BDS$91 632. 42 on January 4 – the proceeds of crime.

The accused, who is represented by attorney-at-law Shadia Simpson, was not required to plead to the indictable charge before Magistrate Douglas Frederick this afternoon.

He also was not required to plead to allegedly attempting to export the money from Barbados to Trinidad and Tobago on the same date without permission of the Exchange Control Authority which is in contravention of Section 25 Subsection 1 (a) of the Exchange Control Act Chapter 17.

Station Sergeant Glenda Carter-Nicholls objected to bail for the accused based on the nature and seriousness of the charges as well as on the ground that he is a non-national with “no strong social ties” here. The prosecutor also revealed that Samuel was in the country for a four-day stay.

“The accused can be classified as a flight risk. If granted bail he may abscond. Based on these grounds the prosecution is asking that bail be denied,” the Station Sergeant submitted.

But in her submission Samuel’s lawyer argued that he had been visiting Barbados from the age of 11, had stayed in the country for long periods, and had cousins as well as a brother here.

The defence also pointed out that Samuel was not known to the courts of Barbados or in his homeland and had no pending matters.

“The only reason the prosecution is objecting to bail is because he is not Barbadian. He has been to Barbados before, is gainfully employed and has had no skirmishes with the law. He is a fit candidate for bail,” Simpson argued, adding that her client had a suitable surety present and was willing to adhere to any conditions imposed.

The attorney also confirmed that Samuel had arrived in the country on December 31 last year and was expected to depart on January 4.

“He shouldn’t be treated any differently because he was born elsewhere,” she added.

Magistrate Frederick queried whether Samuel had any businesses based here.

The accused said: “I am a carpenter with the government. No, I don’t have businesses here.”

However, the judicial officer stated that the prosecution was fearful that Samuel was a flight risk. He said; “We will have to monitor it but at this time we will have to remand you in custody.”

Following that ruling Simpson urged the prosecution to have the matter “expedited and given priority” given that Samuel was a non-national.

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An administrative assistant, accused of a financial crime, was granted $15 000 bail when she appeared before the law court on Friday.

Che Camille Adams-Boyce, of Weston, St James is alleged to have had two Barbados identification cards with registration numbers in her possession on January 4 when she was not at her place of abode. It is alleged that one of the identifications bore the name Asha Chris Yard and the other Shelly Neal Clare and purported to be issued by the Barbados Electoral and Boundaries Commission for use in the course of criminal deception.

The 31-year-old is further accused of attempting to export US$15, 737.40 which is equivalent to BDS$32, 160.05 on January 4, without the permission of the Exchange Control Authority.

The accused pleaded not guilty to both charges when she appeared before Magistrate Douglas Frederick in the District ‘F’ Magistrates’ Court accompanied by her attorney Safiya Moore.

There were no objections to bail from Station Sergeant Glenda Carter-Nicholls who requested that the accused submit her travel documents and report to a police station at least once a week.

After securing the bail with a surety, Boyce was ordered to report to Holetown Police Station every Saturday by 10 a.m. with valid identification.

The accused will make her next court appearance on April 26.

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Lenice Abigail Townsend will remain on remand at Dodds for another 28 days.

The 26-year-old Jamaican, who resided at Sealy Land, Bank Hall, St Michael is accused of causing serious bodily harm to Corey Noel on September 22 with intent to maim, disfigure or disable him or to do some serious bodily harm to him.

She has been on remand in connection with the charge since October last year.

When she made her appearance before Chief Magistrate Ian Weekes today the prosecution reaffirmed its objections to bail.

Among the objections was that she had given immigration an address when she arrived in the country but failed to give a subsequent address. That led to fears by the prosecution that the accused could be a flight risk.

“I am really sorry about the fact that I did not change my address. I was to be in Christ Church. I am sorting out my papers to stay here and I don’t want that to be tampered with. I love Barbados and I don’t want to be deported back to Jamaica,” said Townsend who pleaded for leniency.

She added: “I am willing to surrender my passport and everything. The guy is willing to drop the case.”

But Chief Weekes informed the accused, “When you come to the place be upfront as to what is going on. When you come to the place you have got to be aboveboard. I can’t help you today.”

Townsend will now make her next appearance before the District ‘A’ Magistrates’ Court on February 4.

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The “gravity and very serious nature” of a number of charges levelled against a St Michael teen have landed him on remand at Dodds for the next 28 days.

Ericko Malique Williams, 17, from Bibbys Lane, will now make his second appearance before Chief Magistrate Ian Weekes on February 7.

Williams is charged with entering Road View Variety as a trespasser on December 24, 2021 and stealing $1, 000 in cash belonging to Bhina Harris. It is alleged he had a firearm at the time.

He is also charged with burglarizing Low Waves Hair Salon on December 31 last year and stealing $150 cash belonging to Lolita Edghill, and at the time had a firearm. The teen is further alleged to have on that same date assaulted Sergeant Raymond Morris to prevent the lawful apprehension of himself.

Williams was not required to plead to the indictable charges which led to Sergeant Victoria Taitt objecting when it came time for the magistrate to consider bail.

The prosecuting sergeant based her objections on the strength of the evidence, the serious nature of the offences and the fact that they involved three different complainants, as well as the allegations that a firearm was used in the comital of two of the offences.

She continued: “The complainants need to be protected from the accused and, by extension, society.”

In his bail application, Williams’ attorney Martie Garnes admitted that while the charges were indeed serious they were offences for which bail could be granted in the Magistrates’ Court.

“But they remain allegations at this stage,” Garnes said about the charges against his client who he said is a “boy not even 18 yet”.

He argued that his client was not charged under the Firearms Act and the “strength” of the evidence argument used by the prosecutor should not be considered as there was no evidence before the court at this time.

Regarding Sergeant Taitt’s contention that remanding Williams would offer protection to the complainant, the defence attorney said: “I do not know where that would come from but to describe it as a last-ditch effort by the prosecution to keep this young man where he should not be.”

Garnes added that the primary consideration for bail was whether the accused would show up on appointed court dates.

He added that his client had no prior or pending matters before the court and was willing to abide by any bail conditions imposed.

“This young man has a good defence to these charges and maintains his innocence,” the teen’s lawyer submitted.

Chief Magistrate Weekes in considering the applications stated that the teen had his name called in three matters on two different dates.

“I agree he does not have a charge under the Firearms Act but . . . in relation to the preventing the lawful apprehension of himself in relation to the police . . . it is always an interesting kind of charge,” Weekes said adding that the accused will be kept in custody, “given the gravity of these types of matters and the very serious nature of the offences”.

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Those considering signing bail for accused persons before the court are being warned against doing so for individuals they do not know.

Chief Magistrate Ian Weekes gave the advice on Monday as a man approached the District ‘A’ Magistrates’ Court to make an application to be removed as surety.

However, the accused was not present.

The man claimed this was the second time he had arranged to have a transfer of surety with the accused as he was desirous of leaving the jurisdiction.

However, Weekes said: “I am no longer letting people walk out after committing.”

Asked his relation to the person for whom he had signed bail, the surety responded: “I knew his mother. He was in trouble so I helped, but she is now deceased.”

The Chief Magistrate made it clear that the accused would first have to attend court.

“Don’t sign for people you don’t know. That is why you are in trouble now. Ridiculous. From what you are saying you don’t even know the gentleman, just his mother. I hope you learn from this. Don’t sign for anybody that you don’t know. Don’t do it! Let him understand that your money will be lost if he doesn’t attend court,” Weekes said.

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St James resident Rommel Orlando Jordan has been warned to stay out of trouble with the law for the next six months.

If the 42-year-old, from Endeavor No. 3, Orange Hill, St James fails to adhere to the bond imposed on him by Chief Magistrate Ian Weekes he would be made to pay $1,000 forthwith or spend the alternative of 90 days in prison.

The sentence was imposed on a charge of trafficking cannabis in December 2019. He was reprimanded and discharged on charges of possession and possession with intent to supply the illegal substance.

Station Sergeant Crishna Graham told the District ‘A’ Magistrates’ Court that police were on patrol along the Princess Alice Bus terminal when they observed Jordan with a pair of scissors, cutting what appeared to be vegetable matter.

He was approached and police made a request to search him to which he agreed. Nothing illegal was discovered but the cannabis was found in a haversack which he was carrying. He attempted to flee but was quickly apprehended. The drugs weighed 460 grammes and had an estimated street value of $2,400.

On his first appearance before the court Jordan had pleaded guilty to possession of the drug but not guilty to the charges of supply and trafficking. When he appeared today the magistrate explained to him that he would get those two extra charges automatically once the illegal drugs were over 15 grammes.

It was at that time that Jordan charged his plea and sought to explain his actions.

He said: “It’s that amount that is why I plead not guilty. Dem weigh the bag and everything that is why I want a chance to explain myself. I think it is unfair that the police can charge me for more than I had.”

Chief Magistrate Weekes however explained that he had pleaded guilty to the charge of possession long before today and nothing else.

Asked why he had pleaded guilty to the charge, Jordan replied: “I didn’t want to waste the court time.”

However, Jordan’s legal troubles are not yet over as he is still facing a money laundering charge which will come up again for hearing on July 19.

The post Man caught cutting up ‘veg matter’ in City busstand placed on bond appeared first on Barbados Today.

Another young man has been remanded to Dodds in connection with gun and ammunition charges.

Brandon Deshawn Agard, of 28 Kensington Lodge, Passage Road, St Michael appeared before the District ‘A’ Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday accused of having a glock pistol and nine rounds of ammunition in his possession on January 9.

The 25-year-old, who was represented by attorney-at-law Destinie Haynes could not plead to the indictable charges before Chief Magistrate Ian Weekes.

The accused will make his next court appearance on February 8.

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“Don’t ever put your hands on a woman. If she puts her hands on you go to the police.”

Chief Magistrate Ian Weekes gave that advice to Ryan Corrie Andre Trotman, of Beckles Road, St Michael who had admitted to assaulting his girlfriend on January 8 causing her actual harm.

The woman is a long stay visitor to the island who arrived here back in 2020. The two met and became friendly and Trotman subsequently moved in with her.

Prosecuting Sergeant Victoria Taitt told the District ‘A’ Magistrates’ Court that on the date of the incident Trotman came to the house accompanied by another man. His girlfriend met him at the gate, informed him that he was to enter the residence, get his belongings and leave, as she no longer wanted him to reside with her.

According to the facts, Trotman began getting his things but during the process told the woman that he would leave the following morning. She however continued to tell him to leave her place which angered him.

The prosecutor said he held the woman by the neck and beat her about the body. The man who had accompanied Trotman tried to intervene but left after the accused became “too aggressive”.

The woman was able to get away and called the police who responded. She received medical treatment and was said to have suffered multiple soft tissue injuries.

In explaining his actions before Chief Magistrate Weekes, the first time offender, a fisherman, said he was provoked.

“Yes I was wrong for hitting her but that was after she hit me. I just grabbed her and pushed her away from me, that is how she graze the wall and fell to the ground. When I was packing my stuff she became aggressive. She was pushing me all the time and I was stopping her from doing it. She was already hurt from the day before because she has a bad hip. She told me she fell the day before when she was putting up curtains,” Trotman explained.

However Weekes expressed concern about the situation and chastised Trotman for putting his hands on the woman instead of contacting the police.

The magistrate also said he needed to hear the complainant’s side of incident on February 25.

In the meantime Trotman must undergo an anger management course.

He was granted bail in the sum of $3 000 with one surety and warned to stay away from the complainant.

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A state’s attorney has argued that a gunman who pointed his weapon at police in a bid to prevent his lawful apprehension should get upwards of 17 years in prison.

“Police officers are tasked with responding to calls to service and are duty-bound to act upon those calls. I submitted that it is an appalling and gravely aggravating factor when police respond to calls for service and in carrying out their duties their lives are placed in danger especially when one would point a firearm in their direction.

“This is a case where the now convicted man pointed a loaded gun not once but on two consecutive occasions, in the direction of police who were pursuing him

“We must inculcate within the minds of our people that respect must be had for law enforcement especially when carrying out duties. We depend on the Barbados Police Service to keep this country safe and their roles are important,” state’s attorney Kevin Forde said on Thursday as he addressed Madam Justice Laurie-Ann Smith-Bovell in the No. 4 Supreme Court.

The prosecutor submitted that the St George resident Astu Jones be given a starting sentence of eight years in prison for possession of a .38 revolver; eight years in prison for possession of three rounds of ammunition; nine years on two counts of assaulting police officers and 15 years for use of a firearm with intent to prevent his arrest. The sentences are to run concurrently for the offences which occurred on July 11, 2020 in the parish of St George.

Forde said given that the aggravating factors far outweighed the mitigating factors the sentences should be adjusted upwards by two years.

The prosecutor said however, that the convicted man, who has five convictions for theft and burglary should be granted a one third discount for his guilty plea and credited for the time he has spent on remand at Dodds in connection with the crimes.

But Jones, who addressed the court and pleaded for leniency, urged the High Court judge to show him mercy by imposing “a non-custodial sentence or a fine with the strictest of conditions”.

He said: “I want to extend my heartfelt apologies to everyone affected. However, I am standing before this court today with a heavy heart . . . because I committed a serious crime.”

The convicted man told Justice Bovell that he was a “changing man” who had seen the errors of his ways.

“I am a changing man, a man with a new outlook on life, a man with a new respect for life and a better attitude. My outlook is that I see a better way to handle situations with a brighter prospective.

“I want to admit that I am where I am today because of the friends I used to be associated with . . . although I knew right from wrong I still allowed myself to be led astray. Your Worship once again I accept full responsibility for my actions  . . .”

He claimed that, “as hard as life is in prison” he found it to be a “blessing in disguise” because he has learnt the “true meaning” of responsibility.

“I have found a better version of myself. . . . I am going to do my upward best to abstain from ever being caught up in any wrong things again. I have spent this time reflecting on my life and the mistakes that I have made . . . You know that I pleaded guilty early because I know what I did was wrong  and I was very ashamed of what I have put my family through.

“Your Worship, if this court in sentencing grants me a chance to gain my freedom not only will I become a shining light but a new person but also use that opportunity to further my education and coping skills. I am pleading to this court to extend its mercies and leniency towards me as this court sees fit,” he added.

Jones was first discovered with the weapon in an area of St George by an off-duty officer who reported the matter.

When the police responded they spotted Jones, who their colleague had described, in a crowd of people near a variety shop. On seeing them he ran and during the chase pointed the gun at two officers who had called for him to drop the weapon.

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A 34-year-old man accused of raping two tourists has been remanded to prison to await his fate on other charges – a spate of burglaries in two jurisdictions.

Chad Omar Windell Jordan, 34, who is said to have no fixed place of abode, is facing the indictable charges, to which he was not required to plea, of trespassing into Sliver Rhyne on January 2 and stealing rum, beers, a pair of earrings, a wedding band, money and other items belonging to Linda Gould worth $13 606.

He is further alleged to have raped two women, one on January 2 and another two days later. On the latter date, January 4, he is said to have also burglarised the woman’s house, taking a number of items, including a camera, money and a pair of sunglasses worth $1 840.14.

However, Jordan, who claims to reside at Stuart Hill, St John, pleaded guilty to other offences which he said were committed because of his need to get money to feed his crack cocaine addiction.

He admitted that between December 2 and 3 last year, he entered Uncle Mikes Bar as a trespasser and stole rice, sugar, seasonings, rum, toothpaste and other items worth $244.80, belonging to Claudia Griffith.

On January 2 this year, he entered the home of Yolande Francis and stole tin and frozen foods worth $305. The following day, he entered Lianne Howard’s house and stole a number of items, including four pairs of shoes, 20 shirts, five pairs of pants, three packs of boxers, five watches, a drill, a speaker and three hams.

He also targeted McBrides, first between July 25 and 26 last year when he stole ten bottles of champagne worth $250 and then again on September 3 and 14, making away with a Hilti, tile cutter and a compressor worth $3 500, belonging to Khamraj Jaisingh.

Between December 23 and 25 last year, he entered Black Stone Law Company and stole a cellular phone and case as well as two cash boxes worth $1 030.

Chicken Galore was targeted between November 24 and 25 and Jordan made away with five packs of chicken worth $531.25, while the Cove Night Club was burglarized of a DJ mixer, a laptop bag, and five connection cables worth $2 570 belonging to Herman Maloney, between December 11 and 12.

Backyard Restaurant was not spared Jordan’s crime spree. He took a $400 television from there between December 24 and 25. A number of items totaling $1 858.50, belonging to Dave Ranson, were also taken from the Coral Mist Hotel between December 26 and 27.

Melrose Beach Apartment also took a hit when Jordan stole three televisions, Firesticks and money belonging to Sonia Alleyne.

Prosecutor Sergeant Victoria Taitt objected to bail on the first three indictable charges on the basis of the serious nature of the offences.

She pointed out that the alleged rapes were committed with “acts of violence” towards the women, who are visitors.

The prosecution also expressed fears that the convicted man, who is known to the court, would reoffend. She added that what was also troubling was that the accused was taken into custody on December 14 last year and tested positive for COVID-19.

“He was taken to an institution and did not present himself to police on his release. The accused has no fixed place of abode and there are concerns that he will not show up for court dates, or officials will not be able to locate him,” said the prosecuting sergeant who further pointed to the strength of the evidence which she said was based on the fact that some of the property was recovered.

In his bail application, Jordan explained he was taken to the Harrison Point Isolation Centre by the police after testing positive for COVID-19.

But he was adamant that it “is not my fault that they didn’t come back for me”. “They were to come back. I left and went home that Monday,” he said but admitted that he did not report to police on any of the following days.

“I use crack cocaine. That is the reason I did all these things I did, because I needed the money to buy drugs,” he said before he was remanded to appear before the District ‘B’ Magistrates’ Court at St Joseph on February 3.

He will reappear before Chief Magistrate Ian Weekes in the District ‘A’ Magistrates’ Court on February 9 for sentencing.

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An accused man’s plan to return to Barbados before his High Court appearance did not go as intended.

In fact, not only did Jeffrey Rudolph Alleyne miss that November date last year, but he left the jurisdiction without the court’s permission, got shot while in St Vincent, and was held by police and locked up.

When Alleyne, of Hinkson Gap, Baxter’s Road, St Michael reappeared before Madam Justice Laurie-Ann Smith-Bowell on Friday, his explanation of the events that resulted in him missing court was not enough to keep him off the remand block at Dodds.

His bail was revoked and he is now to appear before the No. 4 Supreme Court on February 19 when his case is expected to begin.

“When I end up in St Vincent, I was to be back here for my court dates. What happen is I get in an incident over there and I get shoot up. I had bullets in me, I couldn’t get back in time. Is not that I was being disrespectful to you or the court,” said Alleyne to Madam Justice Laurie-Ann Smith-Bovell. “I couldn’t move around but when I was able to move around that is when the police hold me. So I get some bullets and the ball was by my spine and it had me down for months, otherwise, I would have been back here for my case. It is not nothing that I willfully do.”

But the judge told him the problem was that he had left the jurisdiction without the court’s knowledge.

Alleyne added: “I apologise for that but I intended to be back in the jurisdiction before the case . . . . I went to look for money to pay my lawyer and take care of my people. I have a lot of people to eat off my plate. So it was not no disrespect to nobody. I get bullets in me, people had to take care of me.

“Let me talk straight. I was over there dealing with some business and we was talking and they tried to disrespect Barbados talking about . . . we Prime Minister is X,Y, Z. I say who you talking bout? . . . So when I was coming out and ting the men open fire . . let go shots in me . . . . My associates had to take care of me. So when I went for my boat them call the police for me. I didn’t mean no disrespect to you or this court .

“All I can do right here right now . . . is beg for a little mercy, whatever you do don’t be too dread with muh cause I is only human,” said Alleyne who continued when told that his bail would be revoked: “You got to tell the Prime Minister I get bullets defending she hear, I was defending Barbados.”

When told that was what the Barbados Defence Force was for, Alleyne replied “yeah, but dem can’t go over there in that capacity”.

The accused is before the court along with two other men, charged with robbing Renaldo Clarke of $5 600 worth of jewellery including a pair of bangles, two bracelets, and a ring as well as cash on May 11, 2006.

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All persons who were summoned for jury duty for the period 13 September 2021 to 29 October 2021 are kindly asked to report to the Supreme Court Complex on Monday, 17, January 2022 for the reinstatement of that service for the continuous sitting of the Criminal Court during the period January 12th to March 04 2022.

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Convicted man Astu Jones tried to haggle for a lesser sentence for gun-related crimes when he returned before the High Court on Friday.

But Madam Justice Laurie-Ann Smith-Bovell made it categorically clear that based on the facts for his case “you [are] going to do time; it is just a matter of how much time”.

Jones, who is from St George, pleaded guilty before the No. 4 Supreme Court to possession of a .38 revolver and three rounds of ammunition and two counts of assaulting police officers and use of a firearm with intent to prevent his arrest July 11, 2020.

On Thursday, he appeared before the judge and pleaded for leniency, urging the court to impose a non-custodial sentence or a fine.

He returned before Justice Smith-Bovell on Friday for his time – 93 days on remand – in connection with the offences to be officially read in.

The young convict took the opportunity to again ask for leniency and a second chance.

However, the magistrate responded: “This is not a fine offence. You cannot have a firearm and use it to pose a threat to police officers who are executing their duties. This is a lock-up offence. . . . Police shot you because you pointed a firearm in their direction not on one occasion but on two occasions, based on the facts. You put police lives at risk. That is a prison sentence.”

The prosecution has asked for starting sentences of eight years each in prison on the gun and ammunition possession charges; nine years on the two counts of assaulting police officers; and 15 years for use of a firearm with intent to prevent his arrest. The sentences are to run concurrently.

Jones urged the court to begin the sentence at “ten years not 15, Ma’am, because I want to start back my life”.

The convict, who has five prior convictions for theft and burglary, claimed that he was only trying to get rid of the gun that night. He also said he is a “good man outside in society”.

“I just does make some mistakes,” Jones said.

He will find out his fate on March 4.

The post Jones to get time for crimes appeared first on Barbados Today.

A teenager and his friend, who robbed his grandmother last month have been offered bail pending pre-sentencing reports in preparation for sentencing.

However, while the friend 21-year-old Kadeem Jason Phillips, of Lascelles Terrace, St Michael was able to secure the $4 000 bail,  19-year-old Kevon Kurt Rahim Sealy, of no fixed place of abode, could not.

Sealy was not able to provide the District ‘A’ Magistrates’ Court with a suitable surety with whom he would reside until his matter is completed. He has been remanded again to Dodds until January 24.

Last month Sealy pleaded guilty to stealing $400 cash belonging to his sister Kyera Sealy on December 21. He and Phillips also admitted to robbing his grandmother Patricia Sealy of a number of items worth $4 103 including $600 cash the same day.

Previously explaining his actions, Kevon, said: “That night I was on drugs. I buy a shirt, a pants and some food.”

Phillips meanwhile said at the time of the robbery he was “stressed” as he was not working and his grandmother was “pressuring” him for money because he was “eating and not contributing”.

“I just do a foolish decision,” he admitted.

Phillips is now on a 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. daily curfew and is to reappear before Chief Magistrate’ Ian Weekes on May 6.

Sealy will receive the same adjournment date and adhere to the same bail condition once he finds a suitable surety.

The post Grandson remains on remand; accomplice bailed appeared first on Barbados Today.

Hearings are underway in the High Court on an injunction filed to call off Wednesday’s general election and action brought against President Dame Sandra Mason and Attorney General Dale Marshall.

Philip Catlyn of the Barbados Sovereignty Party claims that the exclusion of more than 5 000 COVID-19 positive citizens from the election breaches Section 6 of the Representation of the People Act, which enshrines the right of eligible residents and citizens to vote.

“It’s about the rights of the people of Barbados. I feel that as a citizen I have a right to be informed not only informed but to be asked a question, what is my interest? The people that serve me are elected people that we gave our proxy to to do our bidding and we have now got a republic that we had no input into, we have a president that we had no input into, we have an election that was sprung upon us after going through COVID for two years…worse we are told you have 22 days to do this,” Catlyn contended.

Human rights attorney Lalu Hanuman who is representing Catlyn, insists the right to vote is a fundamental human right and therefore the case has merit.

“I personally have no ulterior motives of any sort, other than upholding human rights. The right to vote is a fundamental right. It is enshrined in international convention…. We have been struggling since the days of slavery, this is why we transition to a republic and one of the most fundamental parts of the process is being able to have a government of your choice and the only way you can have a government of your choice is to have the right to vote. I have no issues with Prime Minister Mia Mottley.”

Mottley has made clear that the matter was not in the purview of the Prime Minister and rests squarely with the Electoral and Boundaries Commission.

The post Election challenge being heard in the court appeared first on Barbados Today.

On the verge of the start of his trial, a man accused of having an illegal firearm and ammunition had his request denied for a new judge to hear his matter.

When Peter Ricardo Mayers reappeared in the No. 4 Supreme Court on Tuesday morning, he told Justice Laurie-Ann Smith-Bovell he was not pleased with the way she had “handled her court”.

Mayers, of My Lords Hill, St Michael, is set to face a jury after pleading not guilty to having a 9mm pistol and 10 rounds of ammunition on April 20, 2019.

“Last time I came here, I felt that you did not handle your court fairly and I of the mind to let you know that I don’t feel I will get a fair trial before you, either, and if it is possible I would like my case transfer somewhere else,” Mayers, who is representing himself, told the judge.

However, Justice Smith-Bovell informed the accused man that if he was not satisfied with the decision of the jury once his trial was over, he could seek redress at the Court of Appeal.

“The good thing about this system is that I am not the one who determines whether you are guilty or innocent…and whatever it is that you are not happy with, there is a Court of Appeal where three people sit and you are free to take your case there if you are not satisfied with the decision that the jury returns,” she said.

Earlier, Mayers had also expressed his displeasure at not receiving several documents he had requested.

“Last time I was here 35 days ago, I requested the Constitution and the Judges’ Rules and certain things but I ain’t receive them yet, so I don’t know,” an annoyed Mayers complained.

But prosecutor Crown Counsel Romario Straker told the court the accused man requested the Firearms Act, Evidence Act and Indictments Act on the last occasion.

He said he was willing to send copies to the prison Tuesday if Mayers wanted.

“Ma’am, I want Section 18 of the Barbados Constitution and the provisions under that. I also would like the Judges’ Rules. I also requested the Police Procedure Act on forensics, search warrants and them kinda things,” the accused man who is on remand at HMP Dodds responded.

However, Straker informed Mayers if he intended on taking certain actions he would have to do so in the civil court.

“Before we go on, I heard Mr Mayers say he would like Section 18 of the Constitution. I would like to advise Mr Mayers that if that is the route he intends to go, this is not the court for that. He needs to go somewhere else. If you are making a constitutional motion this is not the court to do that,” the prosecutor said.

When questioned by the accused man, Justice Smith-Bovell agreed with the prosecutor.

“All Mr Straker is saying is that if it is your intent to raise a constitutional motion the criminal court is not for you, you have to go to the civil court. That is all he is saying,” she said.

Mayers then told the court it was his intention to make submissions in the absence of the jury on the next occasion.

“I challenging certain statements in this matter and that’s one of the reasons I’m requesting Section 18 of the Constitution. It speaks about certain things relating to this case,” he pointed out.

Justice Smith-Bovell then adjourned the matter until January 26, when Mayers will make his submissions.

The post Gun accused fails to get new judge to hear his case appeared first on Barbados Today.