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Jomo Jack fails to secure bail for co-accused, ‘Chris’ in conspiracy trial

In an unusual twist, drug conspiracy accused Hugh ‘Chris’ Erickson failed once again in a bid for pre-trial liberty after his co-accused, Jomo Jack, offered to represent him in the matter at the Magistrate’s Court today, October 18, 2013. Photo: Facebook
Jomo Jack (left) offered to represent his co-accused in their drug conspiracy trial. At right is another co-accused, James Telesford John. Photo: VINO/File
Jomo Jack (left) offered to represent his co-accused in their drug conspiracy trial. At right is another co-accused, James Telesford John. Photo: VINO/File
Gerry Freeman is also facing a joint charge of possession of proceeds of criminal conduct. Photo: VINO/File
Gerry Freeman is also facing a joint charge of possession of proceeds of criminal conduct. Photo: VINO/File
Leon King (above) is one of five men accused of being involved in a drug conspiracy ring. Photo: VINO/File
Leon King (above) is one of five men accused of being involved in a drug conspiracy ring. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – In an unusual twist, drug conspiracy accused Hugh ‘Chris’ Erickson failed once again in a bid for pre-trial liberty after his co-accused, Jomo Jack, offered to represent him in the matter at the Magistrate’s Court today, October 18, 2013.

Erickson, who has been unrepresented ever since the departure of his former attorney, Herbert McKenzie in July, had made two prior bail applications before the Magistrate’s Court in addition to another before Justice Vicki Ann Ellis in the High Court, all of which were denied.

The accused in the alleged conspiracy include James Telesforde John, a 62-year-old captain from Tortola, who is facing charges of unlawful importation of cocaine 114 kg; possession of the proceeds of criminal conduct ($391,780); possession of the proceeds of criminal conduct ($178,060); possession of proceeds of criminal conduct ($81,585); and unlawful possession of cocaine with intent to supply.

Jomo Jack and Leon King, were jointly charged with possession of the proceeds of criminal conduct ($178,060), with Hugh Erickson and Gerry Freeman also facing a joint charge of possession of proceeds of criminal conduct ($37,040.25).

The court is yet to ascertain legal representation for John, who was absent from proceedings today due to a reported toothache.

When the men assembled in the prisoner’s dock today, Jack rose to say that he will no longer be represented by attorney, Ruthilia Maximea, but would instead lead his own defence and that of his co-accused, Erickson. Freeman is represented by attorney Dale Hamilton, QC while King is being represented by Maximea.

Jack argued among other things, that Erickson had seven (7) dependent children and was out of funds to pay for a lawyer, even as there were pending contracts waiting for him outside of prison walls. Erickson also argued that making phone calls from HMP were difficult.

However, Senior Magistrate Tamia Richards related that it was for the defendant’s family to make calls but Erickson who earlier stated that he was still trying to source an attorney said, “Your Honour, I stand alone.”

Jack cited a case involving Asif Glasgow where defendants had received pre-trial liberty and said “This court should take precedence of such matters.” He also expressed that if the prosecution objected to his co-accused’s liberty it would mean they were condemning him.

Principal Crown Counsel Tiffany Scatliffe said the prosecution’s objection to bail remained in the circumstances, given the serious nature of the matter and the fact that the defendant had been refused bail on previous occasions and was told that bail would only be considered if his circumstances had changed.

She also pointed out that bail had already been refused in the High Court. Scatliffe said she had no objections to Erickson’s request for additional time to source representation as it was his legal right to do so. She also said Erickson remained a flight risk and asked the court to also consider that there was a high quantity of drugs and large amount of money involved.

Magistrate Richards refused bail to Erickson and noted among other things, that his right to bail was not absolute or set in stone. “Maybe you have a right to breathe air,” she said. She also noted that Erickson’s lack of counsel could not be considered as a change in circumstance that works in his favour adding that this flies in the face of reasoning.

Magistrate Richards also mulled having the trial re-started but Jack was in stern objection to this, repeatedly requesting that the trial proceed in two weeks’ time as he claimed all defendants were ready to proceed.

Ms Richards said while she understood Jack’s frustration, there were other persons involved as well, including Freeman’s lawyer (Hamilton) who is reportedly unavailable until December. She further noted that while Jack was well-meaning, seemingly well prepared after doing some amount of research and also well spoken, he was not trained in law.

She then set the matter for report until November 8, 2013 when it is expected that John and Erickson’s representation will be settled.

23 Responses to “Jomo Jack fails to secure bail for co-accused, ‘Chris’ in conspiracy trial”

  • Mia (18/10/2013, 15:18) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    some people don't realy care

  • MAN (18/10/2013, 16:15) Like (17) Dislike (0) Reply
    Lord have mercy. broke? hmmm... watch your circle partner, the amount of people you done help and don't have money for a lawyer? i feel for you brother.
  • ac (18/10/2013, 16:32) Like (2) Dislike (4) Reply
    let my people go!
  • a bvislander (18/10/2013, 16:46) Like (1) Dislike (6) Reply
    is time we legalize this thing
  • Don't worry (18/10/2013, 17:25) Like (10) Dislike (5) Reply
    Chris don't worry you will soon be free because God don't like ugly. The funny man blocking your lawyer from coming back but when you free he will be going in jalo to take your place. Freedom is coming my boy. Hang in there. God isn't going to give you more than you can bare.
  • What to do daddy (18/10/2013, 19:24) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
    Deport them! Oh wait, they born here...ok let them go then.
  • son of the soil (18/10/2013, 20:55) Like (12) Dislike (1) Reply
    All kind of islandman getting bail and our own homeboy cant get.
  • Shaé (18/10/2013, 21:48) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I know jomo for a while , always intelligent as his mom , but what cause u hav to be torla , u hav ur own business only child well trained am in shock , pray u get through this for ur mom sake ,
  • ted cruz (19/10/2013, 10:35) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Some people don't understand what they read and then bleed from the gums
  • K (19/10/2013, 13:59) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    Erickson hav a rite for bail , this situation shows how mis leaded this country are , erickson never be a flight risk but the prosecution only playing wit an abuse of power , they want to see u rot homeboy , but u will get through dis
    • K u an idiot (21/10/2013, 16:04) Like (1) Dislike (3) Reply
      Bail is not an absolute right , if you want to stay free keep out of running drugs you out these to meet man who have tons of money and drugs in their car and house... what you expect ... think before you post before people around the world think bonified VI are as dumb as u.
      • Kimmy (21/10/2013, 19:23) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
        People are innocent until they are proven guilty. All Chris got caught with was $30,000.00 and he wasn't even the only person in the truck.

        He deserve bail. Just recently two persons were arrested for having cocaine in their home and they go bail then why shouldn't Chris? Flight risk my a--. strupsssssssssssssss

  • legal team (19/10/2013, 14:05) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    I honestly think this situation is prejudice , why it is a bvi islander can't hav bail , the dpp is to rediculous , same to lots of young men send @ balo for first time offence, what is the attorney general doing to this .
    • Knight Rider (22/10/2013, 06:55) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      I see a new blogger calling itself "legal Team".Oh,so because I Knight Rider once came on this free and democratic news site and publicly identified myself by my birth name,and my calypso stage name and my blogname "Legal Team", you are now using the same blog name "Legal Team" to make readers think it's me-Knight Rider?
      That evil you did there,is going to come back at you,because if I Knight Rider had to comment on this topic as "Legal Team", I would say that I support the D.P.P to exercise his Constitutional Authority under section 59 of the V.I Constitution, and prosecute ALL drug dealers in the BVI,who are charged for any drug offence;and to deny them bail in the interest of the public! When I was a prosecutor in the BVI,I objected to the granting of bail to all drug-dealers.
      After retirement from Her Majesty's Royal Police Force,I continue to support lawenforcement officials to fight drugs in BVI society.
      You want to use the blog-name legal team to make your foolish point?Go ahead,set your own trap;because I live my life after policing,feeling free in the BVI.The reason why I sometimes blog under my known nick-name,is because I put my trust in god:I fearno earthly man and my phylosophy is "The evil that you plan and do to others will come at you: You false legal team
    • Real Talk (22/10/2013, 11:10) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      hmmm,when i first read that blog from legal team i wonder for a moment,legal team?legal team write that blog? that blog didnt sound like the legal team who always update us on the law and how the law work..ppl can really use dis blogging ting to cause mischief ehn.after i read the blog from knight rider,i say my instinct was correct.if a person can be so wicked to take another person life any thing else in this world is easy to do..
  • ludacris (19/10/2013, 20:00) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    So let me get this straight, Chris was not found with firearms or drugs on his person but has been denied bail yet another notorious convicted criminal and his wife were recently, in an unrelated case, granted bail on charges that resulted from drugs being recovered from their place of abode and a query regarding an alleged firearm being found in close proximity to the male subject? Chris who has 7 children and close ties to the BVI community vs this couple who could be deemed a greater flight risk.... what kinda backword bulls#*% is this??? Only in de BEE WEE EYE buddy!
  • justice (19/10/2013, 21:57) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply

    I think the m...e have a personal vendetta against Erickson, how can a born Bvi islander be a flight risk,come on people where is the justice,it has been more than a year he has been in jail, what goes around come around. Justice delayed is justice denied!!!!!!!

    • dumb justice (21/10/2013, 16:09) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
      please who the hell is he! a loser who has beef against a loser must be you
  • Fair comment (20/10/2013, 12:55) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Yes justice delayed is justice denied, but ask yourself where the delays are from. They are all from the defense. And now there is the possibility of a very long delay as two defendants are without attorneys and it appears that legal aid is completely ineffective here as the sharks don't eat for free.

  • @legal team & ludacris (21/10/2013, 16:08) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    obvious you both have no sense... why u blaming DPP he tell Erickson to go get in his mess, they have to object to bail, they have the file they know what in it... that ever come across your mind. and to those who saying he not a flight risk he can face a long time in jail and he have access he a west end man come on now I from west and the easiest place to leave is west especially if you trying to get out undetected.... and when he get away you all will be the same set cussing bout why he get bail.... oh and another thing he should have thought about his kids before he did this but wait he have them working for him that why the one get arrested last week for the same thing daddy does traffic drugs. let him stay in there
  • Sherry (22/10/2013, 18:11) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Free the man them , they were not caught wit drugs , its a spiteful thing , but we'll see mr dpp charge appropriately pls , u are dis repecting our pple always dig 2 holes ,
  • blade (24/10/2013, 05:38) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply

    We already see what's going onn wit the system regarding c**s , its personal and it is been shown , but as always everything happen for a reason soon get out bro , u always a winner , the coruption will be open soon what's been going onn ,



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