By Anastasha Elliott
The Criminal Assizes of the Nevis High Court concluded with the disposal of more than 14 matters.
Hilroy Brandy, Head of the Criminal Investigation Department of the Charlestown Police Division, said he was satisfied with how the cases proceeded.
“I was pleased with the outcome of the recent criminal assizes. Justice was served,” said Brandy.
He went on to thank all those who “helped to see that not just justice was served but that the peace and tranquil that Nevis is known for is upheld.”
“This can only be so if we all work together as a community and a country on a whole,” Brandy said.
Brandy noted that the Police Force needed the public’s help in tackling the crime.
“It is true that the public has a right to expect a prompt and efficient and courteous response from the Police when called out to assist in respect of whatever crime was reported in order to prevent crime and to bring perpetrators to justice. But the police cannot do it alone. The police expect assistance from members of the public,” said Brandy.
He said the police needs the help of the community.
“They must stand up against crime and violence and lawlessness otherwise it would get worse,” Brandy said.
He encouraged residents not to be afraid to give the Police Force assistance.
“It is your civic responsibility to help the police. It is the responsibility of all in position of influence such as teachers, parents, the clergy and social workers to reinforce and respect the law and order in our society,” Brandy said.
More than half of the matters that were before the Nevis High Court have been disposed of at the conclusion of the April Criminal Assizes.
The matters disposed of include that of Warren Browne who pleaded guilty to the lesser count of receiving and was sentenced to six months in prison.
He faced charges of burglary and receiving stolen items.
Trinidadian Lester Peters who has been residing on Nevis for more than 20 years was charged with unlawful carnal knowledge. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to two and a half years in prison.
The Prosecution lead by the Director of Public Prosecution withdrew an incest case against Laughton Mills because of a lack of corporation by the minor, said Nevis Inspector Brandy.
Kishon Rawlins, who faces charges of burglary and larceny, pleaded guilty to the charges.
Anderson Hendricks, charged with escaping lawful custody, also pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 18 months in prison. At the time of his escape he was serving a five-year prison term at the Prison Farm. Harvey Stapleton, charged with four counts of unlawful and malicious damage, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
McKinnon Claxton, alias Mac of Bath Village, who pleaded guilty to the charge of larceny during the November 2005 Criminal Assizes, has been sentenced to a term of five years in prison having violated the terms of his bond. Claxton at the time was placed on an $2000 bond and ordered to keep the peace and keep out of trouble for a period of two years.
