Prisoner walks out of courtroom

A major embarrassment was averted when the quick action of members of the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force prevented a prisoner from walking free from the Serious Offences Court.{{more}}

A typical Monday morning at the small courtroom situated at Lower Kingstown Park/ Paul’s avenue would usually see prisoners sitting in the area that is reserved for spectators, if the prisoners’ area is full.

That was the case when Union Island resident Bradley Aqua, who was arrested on February 6, 2010, on the Grenadine island was brought to court.

Aqua was escorted to the room un-handcuffed and ordered to sit at the back of the room.

Shortly after the officer who brought the man in exited the room, a seemingly agitated and restless Aqua nonchalantly got up and walked out of the courtroom.

It was a plain clothes police officer who some seconds later realized that Aqua was a prisoner and alerted uniformed officers, who in turn apprehended the would be fugitive in the hallway of the building.

Aqua was hauled back to the courtroom, where he was admonished by Prosecutor Inspector Nigel Butcher and Chief Magistrate Sonya Young for his attitude in court.

When his case was called, the young man, along with Yasmin Gibson, was charged with the possession of 400 grams of cannabis with the intent to supply to another.

Gibson copped a guilty plea, while Aqua pleaded not guilty to the offence.

Inspector Butcher informed the Chief Magistrate that he intended to maintain the charge against Aqua, citing that that young man had another matter of a similar nature pending in the court.

Despite this, Butcher did not object to bail.

Setting aside a hearing date of May 28 this year, the Chief Magistrate granted bail at $700 with one surety.

Young set aside judgment for Gibson for the same date, and issued bail at $800 also with one surety.

Both Aqua and his sidekick are to report to the police station in Union Island; he once per week and she twice per week. (JJ)