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Crown drops charges against ‘Al’ Henly

The Crown opted to dismiss assault charges against businessman, Mr Alfred ‘Al’ Henley, today, November 4, 2013 for want of prosecution. Photo: VINO
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – The Crown opted to dismiss assault charges against businessman, Mr Alfred ‘Al’ Henley, today, November 4, 2013 for want of prosecution.

Mr Henley was charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm stemming from an altercation that allegedly occurred at the Big Banana Restaurant and Bar in Cane Garden Bay in May 2012.

It was revealed that the charges were dropped after the Crown had failed in repeated efforts to contact the Virtual Complainant, Maya Riether, for her testimony in the trial. It was further disclosed that the VC was allegedly homeless and family members as well as US authorities were unable to advise about her whereabouts.

Henley was represented by attorney, Richard Rowe.

According to the allegations, Henley, the proprietor of Big Banana Restaurant and Bar, and the Virtual Complainant (Riether) got into an altercation at his place of business which allegedly resulted in the VC sustaining a broken nose.

Court records stated that on Sunday May 20, 2012, Riether left her hotel room and purchased two drinks at Bobby’s Supermarket in Cane Garden Bay little after 11 A.M.

On the walk back, she stopped at the road side bar and asked the female bartender for some ice. The bartender complied and was about to give her some ice, which was in an ice cooler, in a cup. However, Riether allegedly asked if the “ice was clean” after seeing the condition of the cooler’s cover.

Henley, who was sitting nearby, heard the tourist’s question and allegedly instructed the bartender not to give Riether anything. An argument ensued and Henley allegedly asked the woman to leave, but she refused. The court heard other patrons were at the bar.

It was then, the 32 year-old woman allegedly took her drink, which was in a brown paper bag, and threw it at Henley striking him in his chest while he was sitting.

The court heard that the businessman allegedly got up and struck her with one of his fists in her face. The blow allegedly caused Riether to fall to the ground, and when she got to her feet again, it is alleged that he hit her again in her face.

Apart from a broken nose, the VC was also treated at Peebles Hospital for swelling to her forehead, scratches to her left shoulder, neck and left leg.

The same day when officers visited the bar, Henley informed them that he was sitting at his business. “This lady came and assaulted me so I pushed her and she fell,” he allegedly told the officers.

18 Responses to “Crown drops charges against ‘Al’ Henly”

  • Hmmmm (04/11/2013, 13:39) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
    I guess this means he going to get his job as the Deputy @ the Ports now....This is it...
  • jj (04/11/2013, 14:00) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    well saw look melee
  • Raw digger (04/11/2013, 14:14) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Thing to tell dah king ah sah!
  • ABC (04/11/2013, 14:16) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    OMG!!! Here we go again. First the Port project then the VIP Airport project now the Al Henley's anticipated appointment by the Port's Authority as the Dept Managing Director. Clearly we need to take a break before we explore.
  • OMG! (04/11/2013, 14:22) Like (2) Dislike (3) Reply
    That is it, Deputy @ Ports. Don't be surprise if the NDP Gov. give him back pay from the time he was granted the post until now pending the outcome of case. POLITICS IN THIS PLACE IS A UNIVERSITY!
  • Yes (04/11/2013, 15:02) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    THONG TO TALK
  • cgb (04/11/2013, 15:41) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    WE DEH BOUT HAAAAAA
  • 2 much (04/11/2013, 16:08) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    he Claude and Mark to much in one place
  • Hear ting (04/11/2013, 17:23) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply

    First Pope for the NDP get away scotch free now Al Henley of NDP get away scotch free & both due to weak cases by the prosecution team of government. 

    • tretretrete (04/11/2013, 19:12) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
      I can bet my last dollar you didn't read the article. In your mind NDP paid the woman in the US to go missing and not cooperate with the authorities right? lmao
    • vv (04/11/2013, 19:47) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      She had no right throwing her bag of drinks at the man
  • ooooo (04/11/2013, 23:02) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    i dont believe this story....she was rewarded
  • BREAKING NEWS (05/11/2013, 04:04) Like (1) Dislike (3) Reply
    Happy the man got off no head to the Ports to help Claude
  • tellme (05/11/2013, 04:34) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
    Really?!! So she had just enough money to vacation in the beautiful VI and go back home and become homeless?!?! Hmmm
  • my my my (05/11/2013, 08:31) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    If you want to always get away from the law just join the NDP. They always furnish the public with good explanations why they are not corrupt & some of us are foolish to believe it but if it was anyone else who is not an NDP then the results would be different.


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