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RAPF Update
The Royal Anguilla Police Force conducted investigations into the circumstances surrounding the death of Mr. Kenny Mitchel. Having reviewed the evidence gathered in the process; in the form of statements and the pathology report, we later sought legal advice from the Attorney General Chambers as it related to this case as we are required to do by law. Based on the legal advice that was given a decision was made to charge Mr. Gavin Hapgood for the offence of mansla...ughter.
On April 16th April 2019, Mr. Hapgood was re- arrested charged. He was then taken to the Magistrate Court on the 17th April 2019 where bail was denied, and he was remanded to Her Majesty’s Prison until August 22th 2019. On the same date Counsel for Mr. Hapgood made an application to The High Court Judge for consideration for the granting of bail to Mr. Hapgood. Counsel for the defendant was successful in his application which resulted in Mr. Hapgood being granted bail in the sum of $200,000.00 EC dollars to appear in court on August 22nd 2019.
The RAPF has executed their function and likewise both courts adjudicated over the matter. This matter is now before a competent court and the law should be allowed to take its course without interference. I am aware that members of the public have different views on the issue and you are entitled to your respective views and I respect your views, I also respect your fundamental rights of freedom of expression, all i am asking Is that you do not say or do anything that can jeopardize the case and let the process take its course.
I sincerely thank the general public for you their corporation thus far.
Elliott Forbes
Commissioner of Police (ag)
The Royal Anguilla Police Force needs the publics support to solve crime and we need their support at this time.
We are not shrouding the case in mystery we are bound by rules and so are others on what can be said. We have charged a man in connection with the death of Mr Mitchell. The court granted bail and we now prepare for the Court process and eventual trial.
The temperature is high on this issue, some understanding of the criminal process may assist- arrest, charge, ba...il etc.
The standards that need to be met and what goes into the analysis at each stage.
The Police arrest, carry out the investigation to a defined investigative model, the case file building and charging if the evidence supports that a crime has been committed.
The Courts deal with bail and there is a presumption in favour of a grant of bail. At all times until convicted there is the presumption of innocence.
The Attorney General Chambers or Police Prosecutors put the police case before the courts and defence lawyers defend the accused.
There is also the need for High Court cases to avoid tainting a jury pool in a small society, hence the need for Police and Prosecution to be discrete in what they disclose to the public when matters arise.
It is in everybody’s interest that the authorities act within the law and that we seek justice for victims and those who are accused of crimes are dealt with fairly in all cases. Justice can only be served when a guilty man is convicted and an innocent man is not, and that is decided before the Court and were the rules of evidence and law preside and not in social media where there are no rules
Mr Paul Morrison
Commissioner of Police
Royal Anguilla Police Force
