by Linda Straker
- 4 Trinidadian crew who pleaded guilty each fined EC$5,500
- 6 men were charged, but in court on Monday, charges were filed for 5 men
- Prosecution will not proceed with matter against Lance Wiggins
The 4 Trinidadian crew of the Harbour Master who pleaded guilty to committing harm offences against Anderson Peters and his brother Kiddon, were each fined EC$5,500 to be paid immediately or serve a prison sentence.
John Alexander, 55 years, Deckhand of Arima; Mikhail John, 35 years, Sailor of San Juan; Noel Cooper, 42 years, Captain of Gurpe and Sheon Jack, 28 years, Sailor of Cocorite on Monday, 15 August 2022, all answered guilty to the charge of Causing Harm and Grievous Harm to Anderson Peters and Kiddon Peters.
Last Friday, police had announced that 6 men were charged, but in court on Monday, charges were only filed for 5 men. Lance Wiggins, 45 years, Sailor of Cocorite who was facing the same charges pleaded not guilty and the prosecution team then informed the court that they will not proceed with the matter.
The charges stem from a brawl onboard the Harbour Master involving the captain and his crew vs Anderson Peters and his brother Kiddon. Video circulating on social media shows Anderson being thrown into the sea before law enforcement arrived on the scene.
On Wednesday, Chief Magistrate Teddy St Louis, before sentencing described the crew’s action as “excessive use of the force” on the brothers that cannot be justified although a request was made for them to leave the vessel.
For the Grievous Harm charge, each crew member was fined $3,500 to be paid forthwith, immediately, or in default, one year in prison. For the charge of Causing Harm, each member was fined $2,000 to be paid forthwith or in default, 6 months in prison.
Although the matter is concluded in criminal court, lawyer Derick Sylvester said his law firm will proceed with a civil lawsuit. Sylvester said that the civil suit had been filed for assault and battery, aggravated and exemplary damages since 12 August.
As part of that Friday’s legal proceedings, a ‘warrant of arrest’ was issued and executed on the Harbour Master. This means that the vessel will not be able to leave Grenada unless there is an instruction from the court.
They made enough money off Carnival that they will pay this easily.
WHERE is the investigation into the buying off DUTY FREE ALCOHOL and then SELLING IT ILLEGALLY on-board the vessel?? Have them produce receipts and documentation of the alcohol sales. What VAT is due and owing on their profits??? Did they get WORK PERMITS?? WHO is responsible for searching out these answers??
According to another report, Peters contributed to the brawl. Grenadians are upset and outraged of what Peters endured. However, very little is put towards what Peters could have done avoid the fracas.
Spitting on anyone is disrespectful and disgusting. This act is classless.
Let this be learning lesson Peters. I don’t think he truly understands higher standards he is held at and how much he is looked up to.
Next time I hope he attends a more classy event where everyone in attendance display a bit more decorum.
amazing justice system ,matters in court for years and cant done ,but this one happened , tried and done in week
This is a sell out. what is Grenadians doing about this. These men should be jailed for their behavior. Why do we have to pamper these men. These men were brutal and displayed criminal acts. They will do it again because they got away with their outrageous behavior. This is why Grenadians have been brutalized in Trinidad for years.. Judge, were you bribed? I can’t imagine what transpired. We have to take a stand and let people know that this behavior would not be tolerated in any of our islands.
They were charged and fined or issued a prison sentence… what more did you happen? A death penalty??
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