BVI News

Case dropped for 1 BVIPA worker accused of handling stolen goods

The case against East End resident Dabriel Merry – a BVI Ports Authority (BVIPA) worker accused of handling stolen goods at the authority’s Port Purcell warehouse last year – has been discontinued.

Prosecutors told the court on Thursday, August 16, that the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) had no evidence to offer against Merry.

“You are free to go,” Magistrate Christilyn Benjamin then told a seemingly elated Merry, who was seen leaving the courtroom smiling from ear to ear.

His co-accused from Fat Hogs Bay, Donice Samuel – who is also a BVIPA worker – was not as lucky. The DPP has opted to continue the case against him (Samuel) and his trial is now set for September 20.

Defence attorney Stephen Daniels represented both men.

Allegations 

According to allegations from the Crown, surveillance footage showed a group of BVIPA employees making off with several electronic appliances from a warehouse at Port Purcell on November 2, last year.

The appliances – which reportedly included Samsung tablets, video games consoles, and cellular phones – belonged to an electronic store based in Road Town.

Initially, three men were charged in connection with the incident — Samuel, Merry, and Nicklin Joseph.

The court heard that police had uncovered a number of the stolen items at Joseph’s residence during a search operation.

Joseph subsequently pleaded guilty to theft in a previous court hearing and was given an eight-month sentence, which was suspended for one year.

This penalty means Joseph will only serve time in prison if he commits another offence within that one year period.

The court had also ordered Joseph to pay $4,867 compensation to the electronic store-owners to which the stolen items belonged.

In the meantime, it is also alleged that other items suspected of being stolen were found at the homes of the other two BVIPA workers.

They pleaded not guilty to handling stolen goods.

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11 Comments

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  1. Tola says:

    So what happened to the case with the 3thieving cops who was living lavishly from criminal proceeds. Oh well guess they are still cops or case trying to be sweep under rug.

    Like 19
    Dislike 2
  2. MS says:

    Great to hear….. From jump he said I bought them…because I can produce a receipt for an item 6+ months…

    May me….AH want ALL

  3. Me again says:

    Ask NDP
    Hill was trying to protect our borders by doing due diliengce on individuals ( immigration)but the powers that be saw it differently
    Now they have declared” we are OPEN. Who so ever will may enter “
    There is going to be a RUDE AWAKENING in these BVI

    Like 10
  4. Well sah says:

    So what about the policemen and police women that were caught stealing I’m not hearing anything about them where’s the Governor

    Like 2
    Dislike 1
  5. Brad Boynes says:

    @ Me again. What they did to Hill was dispecable and spiteful but his integrity what a lot of those who plotted against him don’t have is intact.

  6. Rahhhhh says:

    — merry hands sticky sah!!!!

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