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Inmate alleges illegal phones commonplace at HM Prison

Inmate, Jessroy McKelly, alleged that illegal mobile phones were commonplace at Her Majesty's Prison at Balsum Ghut. Photo: VINO
McKelly also alleged that he was constantly starved and beaten at the prison. Photo: VINO/File
McKelly also alleged that he was constantly starved and beaten at the prison. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Murder accused Jessroy McKelly made a series of allegations and complaints when he appeared before the Magistrate’s Court recently.

McKelly appeared before Senior Magistrate Tamia Richards on April 18, 2013 for sentencing in his most recent escape from Her Majesty's Prison in February, 2013.

The prisoner told the court that he was begged like a child to return to the prison by an officer after he had escaped and alleged that he was not captured in any way.

McKelly told the court that he had made numerous complaints about his treatment previously and added, “I am not making groundless arguments here.”

The defendant alleged that he was constantly starved, beaten and ‘all of those things’. He also singled out the media for their coverage of his recent hospital visit and indicated his displeasure with the way it was done.

“I had to cut myself to go to the hospital,” the prisoner claimed. He alleged that an officer hit him with a rock and the media ran with an incorrect assumption. The defendant said he saw the news on a blackberry phone and it was a common occurrence at the prison to have phones around.

Magistrate Richards asked McKelly whether there were illegal phones brought into the prison and he replied, “You can search the jail, I don’t care.”

“Right now I still up there getting violated,” alleged McKelly.

The defendant told the court that he wanted to change his lawyer and claimed that he gave him a ‘6 for 9’ representation.

Magistrate Richards told the defendant that he could request a change when his other matter came before the high court and indicated that there was no reason for him to get involved in a paper committal as it was something he should be able to trust his lawyer to do correctly.

“I can’t trust him because he gave me a 6 for a 9, everybody is giving me a 6 for a 9,” the accused stated.

He alleged that questions about his paper committal were never answered and things were being done behind his back in relation to his case.

The defendant’s current attorney is his third court appointed attorney and McKelly acknowledged that the attorney was only helping him out with his escape charge even though he was appointed only to deal with his murder charge.

The accused also complained bitterly about the state of the prison’s library alleging that there were only ‘story books’ available and no law books to assist him with his trial. Magistrate Richards told the defendant this was an issue that needed to be taken up with the prison administration.

McKelly was also told that he might be confused by the legal terms contained within such books and should entrust his defence to a trained legal practitioner.

At one point, McKelly asked the court whether anyone was concerned that remand prisoners were being grouped with convicted prisoners but the Magistrate told him that this was an issue for the civil courts to deal with.

“I have been there for thirteen months and have not even seen the Visiting Committee,” McKelly claimed.

The prisoner also expressed frustration about the pace at which his matter was dealt with before the court and stated that court dates often come and go without him being informed of what took place during the proceedings or the reasons he was not taken to court.

“Aren’t you concerned about Jessroy McKelly?” the defendant asked, “Aren’t you concerned about what goes on in the prison?”

“No, not at all,” Magistrate Richards replied.

13 Responses to “Inmate alleges illegal phones commonplace at HM Prison”

  • move on.com (23/04/2013, 08:02) Like (2) Dislike (26) Reply
    why we wating time on tis crazy man?
  • good (23/04/2013, 08:29) Like (33) Dislike (3) Reply
    looking at how they present this guy on the media u would say this is an idiot but this is an intelligent young man and represents himself very well. And please note the responses from the judge they don't care about the lives of the people the hurt incorrectly by remanding or sentencing them incorrectly as she bluntly states. government of the bvi please get rid of these heartless judges.
  • @Bytches (23/04/2013, 08:44) Like (36) Dislike (2) Reply

    I don't think it was professional for the judge to state she doesn't care what goes on in the jail.

  • crucian (23/04/2013, 08:55) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply

    Loves to K... but affraid to D....!!!!

  • Hmmm* (23/04/2013, 09:52) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
    Heartless Judges, heartless prosecutors, heartless police, heartless defense lawyers, all bounded by a rigid unyielding system geared towards the systematic prosecution of anyone guilty enough or unlucky enough to be brought before their mercies...I hope you're guilty my boy, cuz if you're innocent it doesn't change their perspective of you or their approach to taking away your freedom...no compassion at all just another day on the job for her....make me think you have to be a sick vindictive person to even get into that field...the very label 'Judge' hmm
  • links (23/04/2013, 10:18) Like (27) Dislike (1) Reply
    “Aren’t you concerned about Jessroy McKelly?” the defendant asked, “Aren’t you concerned about what goes on in the prison?”

    “No, not at all,” Magistrate Richards replied.

    What the hell wrong with this damn girl? This position gone to her head? This is why people end up doing drastic things. The boy is at the end of his rope and may snap. Stop taking these things so lightly.
  • Judge Dread (23/04/2013, 10:35) Like (17) Dislike (0) Reply
    The judicary system is a joke..what a heartless comment made by that Judge...In her eyes Mr McKelly is guilty already...Can we trust this judge to be impartial/objective in any matter relating to this youngman? Some of his concerns, though they might seem far-fetchd, are legitimate and should be addressed. She is already inferring that he lacks the cognitve capacity to even understand law terms. In other countries where law books are available to prisoners we often see them having a better understanding of the written laws than those appointed to defend and prosecute them.
  • Ty-Rexx (23/04/2013, 11:23) Like (1) Dislike (24) Reply
    Hm. The Magistrate's response was misinterpreted. That was not the final thing she said. The rest of her statement would clarify what she meant.
  • Eagle Eye (23/04/2013, 11:35) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    I think a prison shake down is in order - get all those cell phones and other contraband out of there!
  • bad judge (23/04/2013, 12:26) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    wow she did not really said that? did she"?
    bad judug.
    seand in the laws books.
  • Mark (23/04/2013, 12:37) Like (1) Dislike (13) Reply
    This murderer should have thought about the outcome before he took someone els's life. No he crying injustice. She scums should not have any rights whatsoever.
  • hm (24/04/2013, 08:26) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    Now you see why tola the way it is! i kno innocent ppl up balo cause of ppl like her! the dpp the police and the gov needs to go!, they dont care they jus workin for money and position in society.
  • rush it (26/04/2013, 04:52) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    ..........BLAH, BLAH, BLAH. Good riddance to bad rubbish.


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