Wilkie Arthur 

Freelance Court Correspondent

At the Plea and Direction Hearing (PDH) on Thursday 25th April, 2024, a number of matters from the list were adjourned to the next PDH on 31st May, 2024 and some to other dates for various reasons.

The first case called was that of GINO GERBEX. He is represented by Mrs Kimone Tennant. He pleaded not guilty to two charges of conspiracy to supply a firearm and ammunition along with JUMILLO ISMA and others unknown. The charges were read to him via video link from the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (DCR). 

It reads that GINO GERBEX acting together with JUMILLO ISMA and others conspired to supply a gun and ammunition on dates between 27th December 2022 to 25th June 2023. His remand was extended to his trial date to commence on 04th October 2024 for two weeks in the Grand Turk Supreme Court. 

Up next was the case of MELIUS PIERRE. 

No charges were read to him as his attorney, Mr.Astwood Forbes, was not yet ready to proceed due to the fact he was not able to speak to his client as yet to take instruction. He is in prison on remand. 

Presiding justice in all the criminal matters for Thursdays April 25 was Mr Justice Chris Selochan and Ms. Roseanne Richardson was for the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, who was present in court throughout. 

The court was not pleased that the accused had been coming to court repeatedly, and due to his attorney not seeing or speaking to him, the matter had to be adjourned to a later date once again. 

Deputy DPP Dr. Angela Brooks said she’s ready to proceed as she already attended court some five or more times in this matter and the matter has not progressed. 

The judge set a next PDH date for May 3, 2024.  

The accused has very serious immigration charges, such as returning to the Islands contrary to deportation order, aggravated assisting illegal entry and illegal entry.

Following was KADEN LIGHTBOURE, who pleaded not guilty for possession of imitation firearm with intent to cause fear. 

It is alleged that on 15th January this year, he used an imitation firearm to cause fear to other persons. This alleged incident was in North Backsalina, Grand Turk. 

Lightbourne is remanded until his trial commences on 20th June this year. 

His lawyer, the Hon. Mr. Willin Belliard indicated to the judge and prosecutor that he has filed a bail application for his client that is expected to be heard next week. 

Meanwhile, his remand continues.

JOHN SPENCER MISSICK has two lawyers, Mrs. Kimone Tennant represents him on an aggravated burglary involving a firearm (home invasion style) along with others as he acting together on 31st July, 2023 they did invade the occupants and stole a number of items such as:

• Louis Vuitton bag value at $2000.00.
• Gucci sunglasses value at $795.00.
• Burberry sunglasses value at $395.00.
• $700.00 in cash. 
• A mini laptop value at $800.00.
• Laptop case value at $20.00.
• A Michael Kors wallet/bag value at $188.00.
• $300.00 in cash 

Among other valuable items as well as identification cards, drivers licenses,etc, to a total value of nearly $6500.00.

SPENCER pleaded guilty with an explanation but was stopped immediately by Judge Selochan and his attorney because there’s really no such thing as ‘guilty with an explanation.’

Even though this is sometimes used at arraignment it is either you plead guilty or not guilty. T

he judge then questioned his attorney, Mrs Kimone Tennant, and she told the judge that was not in line with her instructions when she and Missick met and discussed this case. She invited the judge to allow her some more time to speak with Missick before this arraignment continues. 

The judge then granted the attorney’s request and advised that no other charges be put to him at this time. 

The case was then adjourned to the next plea and directions hearing on May 31st 2024. 

Missick’s second case was called, and his other lawyer, Ms. Sheena Mair asked for more time to speak with him as well, and it was granted. 

Both matters put to the same date, and his remand was extended to that date as well.

Wilkie Arthur

Freelance Court Correspondent 

When the court opened and Plea and Directors Hearings convened on Thursday April 25th Justice Chris Selochan was set to hear the matter of Bible Street robbery accused JOSIAH PARFAIT, however, his attorney Ms Sheena Mair asked that his matter be put to the next PDH on May 31st.

Her reason, information from the Office of the DPP important to the defence of her client. 

The judge granted Ms. Mair’s request in the interest of justice.

In a separate matter, WILFREDO WILLIAMS and JONATHAN HANDFIELD both jointly charged with kidnapping and other serious offenses matters were put to next Plea and Direction Hearing on May 31st.

 JONATHAN HANDFIELD did not have a lawyer and had not applied for legal aid as yet.

Mrs Lara Maroof Misick was ready to proceed with the arraignment for her client WILFREDO WILLIAMS but both Mrs. Maroof Misick and his Lordship agreed to the adjournment, giving HANDFIELD some time to apply for legal aid on these very serious charges against him.

Additionally, RODNEY SILVER had his matter deferred to a new court date with a bail hearing set Wednesday May 10th.

 Finally, there was due to be sentencing for Ambulance Driver/Paramedic TERRELL JOSEPH.  That has been adjourned to May 29, 2024.  His attorney, Lara Maroof Misick sought the adjournment, admitting she had not yet completed the requested submission on behalf of her client.

Wilkie Arthur

Freelance Court Correspondent

A Dominican female, after allegedly being sexually assaulted, allegedly recorded performing sexual acts and allegedly threatened and held against her will overnight by a jitney driver will have to wait a little longer for the conclusion of the matter.

Identified as the accused in this case is ELVETHAN MCFAIAN HANDFIELD, 47 of Parrot Cut Street, Cooper Jack, Providenciales; it is in the area residents call, Glass Shack.

Hon Chief Magistrate, Mr Jolyon Hatmin has remanded the man to prison until his sufficiency hearing on June 7, 2024.

A Dominican woman, resident in Dock Yard, Providenciales reported to police that she was on the road waiting on a jitney when she was picked up by the accused HANDFIELD.  She said he asked her where she’s going?  She said she told him to Dock Yard and then jumped into his car.  The woman said she had just gotten off from work and wanted to get home, instead, the driver allegedly detoured to what she suspected was his home, where he reportedly pulled out a knife and forced her inside.

The woman was held captive, according to her account of events to Police.  Raped repeatedly between Friday April 19th to Saturday April 20th; and then was threatened not to report the matter or face being humiliated, because her alleged attacker recorded the sexual encounter, without her consent and was prepared to post it online.

 Officers of the Safeguard and Public Protection Unit arrested ELVETHAN HANDFIELD shortly after the release of the woman, who filed a formal complaint. He was subsequently charged by female detective Ms. Michelle Goslyn with two acts of rape of female complainant, her identity revealed but which we withhold due to the sensitive nature of the crime.

The charges were laid against him on Friday April 26 and his court appearance was on Monday, April 29, 2024. HANDFIELD was not required to enter a plea as the CM explained to him that these are indictable offenses. The serious nature fit only for a Supreme Court trial.

In his attempt to get bail, as he was unrepresented at the arraignment, Ms.Tassja Mitchell of the DPP’s Office outlined all that is mentioned above and further told the Court that he there are other investigations pending, with more charges to come for the man who is known to the Police.

Mitchell explained that the Crown is opposing bail; expressing sincere concern for public safety if the suspect were to be released.  

While the Chief Magistrate dismissed hearing more about the other matters pending against ELVETHAN HANDFIELD.  

The Senior Public Prosecutor, Tassja Mitchell, in making a case for NO BAIL expressed to the Court that the Rehabilitation of Offenders’ Ordinance prevented her from giving the details of HANDFIELD’ convictions.

Bail for the man was denied; he is currently on remand at His Majesty’s Prison in Grand Turk.