NASSAU, BAHAMAS — An experienced lawyer will be overseeing applications for bail revocation in the Supreme Court, according to Minister of National Security Wayne Munroe.
Munroe said the decision was made after a meeting with the Director of Public Prosecutions and Police Commissioner, Clayton Fernander, as law enforcement seeks harsher penalties for those in breach of bail.
“We’ve had a productive meeting with the DPP and his officers. The DPP has agreed that Rodger Thompson, Chief Superintendent Rodger Thompson who is a lawyer 14 years standing who is in the commissioner’s legal office can marshal these bail replications in the Supreme Court with lawyers who we have in the commissioner’s office,” Munroe said.
Concerns over the number of individuals breaching bail have persisted in recent weeks with several cases brought to the courts on a weekly basis.
In addition to this issue, various law enforcement officials have pointed out that the majority of those that commit violent crimes, or victims of violent crimes are being monitored or found wearing ankle monitors.
Munroe said that during the meeting it was suggested that if bail was breached regarding the monitor, the individual should not be granted another bail.
“So there is a fine now for breaching your bail condition but committing an offence while on bail is a reason to revoke bail. So if I give you bail on the condition that you wear this monitor so the police can have a track of you and you don’t comply and we don’t know where you are 24 hours a day we have a place where we know where you are 24 hours a day.
“And if you cant comply with the rules for us to know it when you are outside then we can house you where we know where you are 24 hours a day.”
Leading up to the meeting with the DPP Director and Police Commissioner, Munroe expressed disappointment in the way bail matters were being dealt with, claiming that the system was more-or-less ineffective.
Yesterday, Munroe said that he believes that invoking stricter penalties for those in breach of their ankle bracelet monitoring conditions is needed.
“[…] so that there can be a more aggressive process for once you are convicted, once you have dealt with the bail violations we can then go to the supreme court get your bail revoked,” he said.
“There is a presumption of innocence fine, but if you’re not obeying the rules then you forfeit your privilege of being on bail.”
Loading ...
