THREE accused of Boat Theft and Malicious Damage to Property

By Wilkie Arthur
Freelance Court Reporter

#TurksandCaicos, September 11, 2023 – Three men have now appeared at the Providenciales Magistrate’s Court on old airport road and are formally charged with taking a conveyance (theft of a boat) and malicious injuries to property.

The original hearing was on August 15, 2023.

Accused #1 is BERRY LEONA, a Haitian man, currently serving a sentence at the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation for unlawful entry. Leona appeared by video link; the two others charged with crime were present in court.

Accused #2 is JAHEAL GARDINER who was almost remanded to prison because he arrived late and had no proper explanation for the Hon. Chief Magistrate(CM) Mr. Jolyon Hatmin when he was asked about his tardiness.  Gardiner, who arrived after 10am for the hearing said he was bailed to attend for 10am however, the bail papers provided to the court upon request indicated, clearly, his hearing was set for 9am on the day in question.

The Hon CM told the second accused that he takes it as an insult when persons believe they can just show up to court anytime they wish especially, when, summoned or bailed for a specific time and date.

The third man accused, VINCENT WILLIS, was not late and was in fact met at the court by the Chief Magistrate who told him he could sit inside in chairs provided there.

Gardiner was warned.

The CM adjourned the matter to Tuesday August 29th and the trio was back in court today, September 11 under Magistrate 11, as there continues to be a number of areas surrounding the allegations which lack clarity.

At the August 29th hearing however, Jaheal Gardiner could not meet the reduced bail of $2,500 and is being held in police custody. Gardiner told the judge that he was unaware that the boat was stolen.

All have entered a not guilty plea with only Willis able to meet his bail.

Damage to the boat, owned by Quincy Jennings, was estimated to around $4,300.

The trio was arrested at sea on June 29, 2023 in an alleged TCI registered, stolen boat.