Crime/Police
High court awards man over 30k for unlawful search, malicious prosecution
(JTV News) – A man was awarded over $30,000 in damages by the High Court after he successfully sued the BVI Government through the Attorney General for unlawful search, wrongful arrest, false imprisonment, and malicious prosecution in which police officers broke into his home, handcuffed him, and took his sleeping baby away from his lawful care in 2018, according to the court judgment published on February 23, 2023.
Judge Heather Felix-Evans ordered, in the judgment, that the claimant, Damion Morgan, be paid for unlawful search ($7,500), damages for wrongful arrest and false imprisonment ($20,000), damages for malicious prosecution $5,000 and nominal damages for legal fees ($1,500).
Morgan, who was represented by attorneys Jamal Smith and Crystal McKenzie, was slated to receive pre-judgment interest on the global sum from August 6, 2018, to the date of judgment at a rate of three percent per year, in addition to the statutory interest of five percent per annum –from the date of judgment until payment in full and prescribed costs.
According to court records, an argument that developed between Morgan and his baby’s mother, Chrystal Mitchell, at his home, stemmed from an earlier incident in which he reportedly took the child away from Mitchell’s friend at the Festival Village in Road Town — sometime around midnight on August 5, 2018 — and brought the child back to his home in Harrigan Estate.
It is reported that the claimant (Morgan) prevented Mitchell from entering his home when she arrived to collect the baby. It is further reported that Morgan told his baby’s mother that she would be able to get the child the next morning because the baby is sleeping.
The child’s mother however reported the matter to the police who showed up at Morgan’s home and forced themselves then handcuffed him. The lawmen, who claimed to have called out to him, then took the sleeping baby and brought it to Mitchell.
The incident was witnessed by the claimant’s brother and his brother’s girlfriend, according to court records.
Morgan was charged at the Road Town Police Station with common assault against his baby’s mother and released later that day.
According to court records, Morgan said the allegation about a fight that occurred between him and his baby’s mother at his home, the night she came for their child ,were not true.
Court records show that police told Morgan that they did not have a warrant to enter his home and boasted that they did not need one and they would show him how the laws work.
Morgan also denied hearing sirens from the police and calls by the officers for him to open the door when they arrived at his home. In addition, court records indicate that the lawmen had no court order to take the baby from his lawful care.
Though Morgan was brought before the Magistrate’s Court to answer to the charges, the matter was discontinued about 14 months later by the prosecution.
Crime/Police
RVIPF Alerts Residents to Surge in Cryptocurrency Blackmail Scams
Crime/Police
Spike in East End Burglaries Prompts RVIPF to Urge Heightened Security
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) is urging residents and business owners in East End, Tortola, to tighten security in light of a recent surge in burglaries plaguing the area. Over the past week, more than seven incidents have been reported, with hotspots including the neighborhoods of Greenland and Long Look.
The RVIPF is responding to this concerning trend by increasing patrols and advising the public to proactively secure their properties. Acting Commissioner Jacqueline Vanterpool emphasized the value of functional security systems, particularly CCTV cameras, as both deterrents and critical tools for investigators.
Protective Measures Suggested by RVIPF
To prevent further incidents and aid in investigations, the RVIPF recommends a series of crime prevention strategies:
- Install and Maintain CCTV Systems: Ensure cameras are positioned to cover entry points and remain operational.
- Lock All Entry Points: Secure doors and windows, especially at night or when properties are vacant.
- Utilize Exterior Lighting: Motion-activated lights can deter intruders by increasing visibility.
- Establish Neighborhood Watch Networks: Keep neighbors informed and report any suspicious activity to the RVIPF promptly.
“The safety of our communities is a priority,” said Acting Commissioner Vanterpool. “But we need the public’s partnership to address these crimes effectively. Functional CCTV systems, secure properties, and vigilant reporting can go a long way in deterring criminal activity.”
Additional patrols have been deployed in the Eastern districts, and detectives are actively investigating the recent burglaries. Authorities urge anyone with information to contact the RVIPF’s Intelligence Unit at 368-9339 or provide tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 800-8477 (TIPS).
Crime/Police
Attempted Armed Robbery at Matcha’s Bar and Grill Foiled on Fort Hill
An attempted armed robbery at Matcha’s Bar and Grill on Fort Hill was thwarted this afternoon when the proprietor successfully evaded an armed assailant. The incident occurred around 4:00 PM on November 4, when a masked individual, reportedly carrying a high-powered weapon, approached the popular establishment with apparent intentions to rob it.
According to initial reports, the gunman was unable to carry out the robbery and left the premises empty-handed. No shots were fired, and there are no reports of injuries to the proprietor or any patrons.
Police are currently conducting an investigation. The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has not yet released further details.
This story is developing, and additional information will be provided as it becomes available.
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