Wilkie Arthur

Freelance Court Reporter

#TurksandCaicosIslands, October 4, 2023 – Man on bail for overstaying in Turks and Caicos failed to attend court; and was a no show when he was called to answer the charge.

American, WILLIAM BISHOP was charged with the offense in 2020 but the matter kept being adjourned for various reasons. He has always attended on his many previous court dates but was a “no-show” on the date of his trial which was Tuesday 26th September, 2023.

His attorney Ms. Sheena Mair told the Chief Magistrate (CM) that, she only learned this morning (the morning of the court) that he travelled to the USA. She said, she did call him on the morning, when she noticed that he was not in court.  She went on to tell the CM that she could not hear her client properly as the reception was pretty bad.  However, Mair was able to get some of what he said from the United States of America. Bishop informed his attorney that he was not in Turks and Caicos but was scheduled to be back before court, but unfortunately, he was unable to return in time for Tuesday’s trial

She said, he expressed that he was willing to take a certain course of action and is willing to appear via link from overseas. Apologies were delivered on behalf of William Bishop by his attorney.

Chief Magistrate was concerned by the turn of events, but accepted the explanation and excused Bishop from the hearing on that date (Tuesday 26th September).  Going forward, Ms. Mair is to advise her client that he has to be present in the court room at the next hearing of his matter.

The case was adjourned to October 17th, 2023.

Outside the court, it was expressed by arresting Immigration Officers that they believe, William Bishop will never return to Turks and Caicos to face his charges.