Surety to pay $10,000 after friend allegedly flees SVG

When a man put up bail for his friend to save him from spending waiting time in jail, he did not expect that friend to flee the country, leaving him to cough up $10,000 in two weeks.

Osnelle Bowens appeared at the Serious Offences Court before Senior Magistrate, Colin John on January 27, 2025 as surety for his friend, Akeem Boyea, who was facing a firearm charge.

Boyea was charged with being in possession one black GAP 9mm pistol, serial number unknown, without a licence issued under the Firearms Act on October 26, 2023 at Beldevere.

The court granted him bail in the sum of $10,000 with one surety, and he was also given reporting conditions.

Among his responsibilities, Bowens was tasked with ensuring that Boyea attended court whenever his matter is called.

Bowens told the court that prior to accepting the role, he was aware that if Boyea was absent from court, he would be made to pay $10,000.

Senior Magistrate John said that Boyea had been absent from court on several occasions.

Bowens told the court that the last information he received about Boyea was that he had fled to Grenada where he evaded police custody.

When asked why he should be pardoned from paying the money, Bowens said that Boyea is his friend and he did not expect him to run away. He then asked the court to give him time to find Boyea, but his request was denied. The senior magistrate did not find these reasons to be adequate for the surety to be pardoned. He pointed out that the terms of the bail had been breached and so the infraction had already been committed.

He then ordered Bowens to pay the EC$10,000 in two weeks. Failure to do so will result in the court moving to sell his property to retrieve the money.

The senior magistrate noted the seriousness of the responsibility involved when a person stands surety for accused persons before the court.

The matter is adjourned to February, 10, 2025. A bench warrant, which was previously issued for Boyea’s arrest was ordered to be continued.