Vindication for Alwin James as court rejects firearm charges
Former Deputy Commissioner of Police, Alwin James, was exonerated from charges in a controversial firearms case he denounced as an abuse of process.
The case ended with the court acknowledging procedural failings and potential entrapment tactics used against him.
Charges against James came under scrutiny for lacking substantial evidence and for what James and his legal team argued was a targeted attack marred by procedural errors.
According to the legal submissions, the case hinged on the actions of Inspector Gumbs, the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) armourer, who allegedly offered James ammunition that was set for destruction.
This ammunition was deemed to be legally exported to Dominica, where James is a licensed firearm holder. Despite following established procedures and securing the necessary permissions for export, the transfer became a point of contention when questioned by airport security, leading to James’ charges.
James’ legal counsel, led by Terrence Williams, argued convincingly that the charges constituted an abuse of process.
They pointed out that the prosecution failed in its duty of candour by not fully disclosing essential details to the court. This lack of transparency, coupled with the circumstances under which James was charged shortly after he resigned from the RVIPF, raised serious concerns about the motivations behind the prosecution.
James’ attorney said the senior magistrate concurred with the defence, acknowledging that based on the facts now known and admitted by the Crown, no reasonable magistrate could have issued a summons in this case, declaring the proceedings an abuse of process and therefore terminating the matter.
Copyright 2024 BVI News, Media Expressions Limited. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or distributed.
The DPP has got to be fired!
DDP Racking up them losses. And her abuse of power, emotional nature coming to light. Will the bvi do something or wait until she gues nuclear?
look at all of the police corruption and political corruption going on in the british virgin islands for over 56 years.
María Valack. Have you taken your medication lately. The morning is full.
How much longer are we going to tolerate this? If this lady was a foreigner we Tolians would be up in arms. Come on man!!!!!!! What is good for the goose is good for the gander. The lady, respectfully, should be told in no uncertain terms that she needs to resign. If not, give her her walking papers in her hand and let us close this embarrassing chapter. The criminals are PRAYING were keep her. What kind of nonsense is this?!?!?!?!??!
Delighted to see that justice has prevailed. Alwin was a good officer, and a few vindictive individuals thought they could target him the day after he retired. Enjoy your well deserved retirement Mr Janes and thank you for your service.
I find it weird that after James left we start seeing more consistent drug bust and firearms being seized
Either he was doing his job so well that there little to no crime with drugs and guns…(Doubt..)
or he was …under he skirt
idk idk
Well @justice, considering Officer James oversaw the biggest seizure of Cocaine in the history of the territory in 2020, I would suggest you reconsider your thoughts!
Very true.
What’s in the dark always comes to light.
When a person is cleared of one matter it doesn’t mean everything’s else is clean.
I hope the former Deputy Commissioner of Police is contemplating legal action against the Circus – the Alphabet Clowns [COP, DPP].
… The man’s Government name is Inspector James? Or were you all too intellectually tired to report properly?
His official title was DCP James not Inspector which is a much lower rank!
Why bring a faulty charge that could never win. Nonsense.
The club members looking out for each other
The writing is on the wall.
Our laws & those abroad whether for good or evil are being used for political persecution. We partner with the US look at Trump, pure election interference by Biden administration.
The methods & tactics of entrapment is the new normal!
Rather than actually cleaning the place up this is what our Governor & police chief focus on, tactics of smear & creation of crime to justify their prewritten agendas & preconceived missions.
The courts & officer himself should counter sue & check out the exact specific motive behind the start of this process which has been deemed to be an abuse.
Whether someone higher up forced it to go through.
Because when they take them to court whether innocent or guilty it wastes time & kills people’s reputation.
They say the court is independent from the police, local government & independent from UK influence but then what exactly happened in this case?
Talk is really cheap from those at the top but we are watching it all play out with open eyes.
Wasn’t even aware he was charged for an offense until now, reading this article. This is truly natures little secret as everything is a secret around here depending on who committed the offense.
Read the news, moron. Just cause u didn’t see the bus doesn’t mean it didnt pass when you were doubled over in the DUNCE corner.Jeez
This is nonsense. We are we trying to destabilize the BVI? All involved need to look themselves in the mirror and have a serious conversation with themselves
The yellow site love to spread rumors and disinformation. J****N W*****K, we can see right through you. Your smear campaign won’t work.
Dis d**t cop put me in a case now he don’t want to go jail f**kin island man
D***h is the only thing for all them dirt cop put them to sleep
D***h is really the only answer for he. He allegedly do so much wrong and never was dealt with. I know bout he and he time coming me. Trust me. Say I tell you so. I could bring he down right now.
So what action is taken against the officer who apparently messed up.
People in Senior position prefer to hire incompetent employees with the credentials
An indigenous or BVIslander even though there are excellent Belongers here who can do the job.
This is helping to destroy the machinery of this country
we hired the worse BVI lawyer to be the DPP!!!
Hmm so why the yellow site making out to be the CoP is to blame for this whole situation when it’s the DPP??? Smh
He couldn’t get the deputy on the big Medication charge, the AG said there weren’t enough evidence for the importation of medication and corruption charge, he was so disappointed, he pull off this weak charge to save face..
This D**il litterally dodged bullet.
It’s a shame when law enforcement officers finds themselves in the judicial system in a capacity other that what they were sworn to do. And conversely when trumped up charges are laid to lock up fellow officers. It does not look good on either side. You all have to act and be seen to be acting within the legal aspects of the law at ALL TIMES. IF you cannot do that, do not get into law enforcement.