Woman accused of harbouring escapee facing double the penalty
Jennifer Smith, who is said to be a girlfriend of the recently recaptured prison escapee Jose Almestica, is facing up to 14 years imprisonment if found guilty of harbouring Almestica.
The penalty is twice as much as what Almestica is facing for escaping Her Majesty’s Prison during Hurricane Irma back in 2017.
During the accused woman’s court appearance before Magistrate Tamia Richards yesterday, Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) Tiffany Scatliffe-Esprit alleged that Smith and some members of her family harboured Almestica for the four years he was on the run.
The DPP said Smith’s family had rented an apartment for Almestica. The prosecution told the court that Smith and her family also outfitted Almestica with rental vehicles and food during that time.
In ruling on Smith’s bail application, Magistrate Richards said based on the allegations, Smith would have been well aware of the fact Almestica was a wanted man in the BVI. She said there have been numerous publications in the local and international media about Almestica’s status with the police.
“It (harbouring) is actually twice as serious as the actual escape from custody,” Magistrate Richards said.
“That gives you an idea that legislators expect that harbouring is a serious offence and it would be dealt with in due course by the court. As such, it is a serious offence because of course, you have to dissuade persons who are minded to harbour a prisoner,” she added.
The Magistrate said she usually thinks the BVI is a small place where it is easy to locate someone but the allegations put forward by the police have changed her perspective.
“I thought we were living in a 2×4 place but somehow we are able to harbour people for four years out of the sight of the police according to these allegations,” Magistrate Richards said.
The strength of the prosecution’s case
The Magistrate also said the strength of the prosecution’s case against Smith relies heavily on the fact that she was seen reversing a vehicle into the premises where Almestica was alleged to have been staying. She further noted that Smith, somehow, was the person who assisted the police in locating a hidden key used to enter Almestica’s apartment.
“There is strong evidence that she knew where he was staying. That’s the strength of their (the prosecution’s) case,” the senior magistrate said.
It was on these premises that Magistrate Richards denied Smith’s application for bail.
She added that she foresees a custodial sentence for Smith if convicted. The magistrate also noted the DPP’s claim that some of Smith’s family members may be implicated in the harbouring and they have the means of leaving the territory to avoid prosecution.
Magistrate Richards further said she cannot guarantee Smith will not interfere with the investigations, especially the one ongoing with the contraband allegedly found in Almestica’s Ballast Bay apartment.
Smith, who is represented by defence attorney Jamal Smith, was therefore ordered remanded until February 3, 2022.
DPP: Contraband found at escapee’s apartment the largest in BVI history
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Love or D**k? Either way what a fool.???. I hope she get all 14. Harboring such a criminal with all those weapon. She needs more than 14 years.
They need to name, charge and shame both her and the family members that helped him. Did they knew who he was and what he was about? Ppl talking and saying its the outsiders coming to do this and that to us, but most of the time it is the same BVIslander that is contributing to the problems we face in this community.
If I could turn back the hands of time….
Took this long since the Police only released the picture of the wanted man after he was no longer wanted. Correct me if I am wrong. Did anyone see a pic of the bloke in any news media with the information indicating that he was wanted? If so, please direct me to the site or media.
If they didn’t put his pic out to public, knowing he was a danger to society, then they too were harborers and should be remanded to Balsam Ghut.
… i dont feel for u miss gerrrl!
Is this J C?
What a m**moo
Word of advice to the RVIPD! Get a MOST WANTED page on your website or Facebook page so people can have good idea of who is wanted in our community!!! Or even the old fashion way with MOST WANTED posters in high traffic areas. Gosh Nuh we in 2022!
She could have said she was using the driveway as a turn around point to head back in the direction she came from. Unless of course, they were surveillance the place.
I understand the young lady being an accomplice and needing to be punished. She was probably was under much fear and duress from this criminal. Plus, she could not have done this alone – hope they get the others – particularly his family members.
Escape from prison for 4 yrs. on this little island and then continue in his criminal ways…..I say a life sentence would be too short for him. He clearly is an incorrigible and probably subjected this lady to both sexual and physical abuse….
Why his family members? He is from St Thomas,God knows his country of origin.
It’s her family that allegedly assisted.
Love for the Almighty dollar.
Why his family? Because he could not have been out there that long without some form of contact with them. If not begging for money then just letting them know not to worry because he was ok.
Begging for money????????
Did you not read.
AND CSC WIGLOX AND ANDY WHO ALWAYS HOLLERING OUR ,JASPERT AND THE WHIYE RACIST TRYING TO GIVE THE BVI A BAD NAME ( WELL LET’S HEAR YOU HYPOCRITES HOLLER NOW ( OH , DON’T FORGET TO BEAT YOUR CHEST
How come his photo is displayed and hers is not. Is the camera broken? LOL
SHE FROM YA , SO NO BIG DEAL , ITS ENTITLED
SHE FROM YA , SO NO BIG DEAL , ITS CALLED ENTITLED
Ladies and gentleman welcome to nature little secret now you all know why tortola call by that name you live among the most dangerous and is like nothing happened
And that’s why you don’t assist police smh
He should have stayed with the other one ☝️