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VG barge owner fined $16K for marine accident in 2015

Five years after his involvement in a marine accident, owner of Global Ocean Transport Inc., Ricardo S. Leonard aka 'Sammy' was fined $16,000 for fleeing the scene of the accident among other criminal offences. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Five years after his involvement in a marine accident, owner of Global Ocean Transport Inc., Ricardo S. Leonard aka 'Sammy' was fined $16,000 for fleeing the scene of the accident among other criminal offences.

Magistrate Ayanna O. Baptiste-DaBreo on Monday, September 7, 2020, sentenced the Virgin Gorda man, who has until December to pay up.

The magistrate fined him $4,000 for Conduct Endangering a Yacht, $8,000 for Leaving the Scene of a Collision Without Rendering Assistance, and $4,000 for Failing to Keep a Proper Lookout.

The incident reportedly occurred on April 23, 2015, at St Thomas Bay, on Virgin Gorda.

Court reports indicate that the yacht was anchored at the bay when one of Leonard’s barges crashed into it.

The yacht owners were seeking damages of $1,231,576.30 in the civil proceedings.

However, Leonard’s lawyer, Stephen R. Daniels told the court that his client paid $850, 000 through his insurance to the claimants and that caused his insurance premiums to rise since then.

He argued that the matter was an accident and his client had no other run-ins with the law while seeking a minimal fine for Leonard.

Addressing the court after the sentencing, Magistrate DaBreo said in this case; the fines would not have any consecutive or concurrent sentences.

The sentencing was conducted online.

21 Responses to “VG barge owner fined $16K for marine accident in 2015”

  • Greg (09/09/2020, 10:06) Like (11) Dislike (1) Reply
    I remember this well. Why would he not be paying attention, leave the scene and not help the people who may have gotten hurt? He had insurance so......?????
    • @ Greg (09/09/2020, 12:30) Like (2) Dislike (27) Reply
      set of oppressors blogging crap jealous they jealous of Sammy
      • Calling BS (09/09/2020, 13:55) Like (23) Dislike (4) Reply
        @ Greg - BS! The yacht was at anchor. That means not in motion, not under power, not sailing, and not navigating. The yacht was rammed and rendered inoperative, and the barge scampered off.
        If some wanker hit YOUR car and then did a runner, you would be... "Jealous"? Riiiiight.
      • Blessed (10/09/2020, 08:19) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
        exactly
    • To Greg (09/09/2020, 13:41) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply

      It says a lot about his character..

  • VG (09/09/2020, 10:15) Like (3) Dislike (48) Reply
    LEAVE THE MAN ALONE HE IS A LOCAL
    • Who fool you (09/09/2020, 13:09) Like (3) Dislike (5) Reply
      Virgin Gorda have local, don't forget alyo heritage
      • Not fooling me (09/09/2020, 14:13) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
        You all love to come online and pretend to be from here. Next up you will place a comment under the name Hodgie
  • BVI (09/09/2020, 10:54) Like (5) Dislike (11) Reply
    He did not leave willfully, he went to get help plus he made calls to assistance then he return with more workmen.
    • Steve (09/09/2020, 14:52) Like (21) Dislike (1) Reply
      @ Local Boy...REALLY? Let me tell you about common sense. First of all he could have called for assistance from his barge and could have also called his workmen to come help. You never ever leave the scene of an accident, and you stay until Police arrive in case of any injuries. Am I correct so far? What he did was panic.
  • time (09/09/2020, 12:23) Like (20) Dislike (0) Reply
    Why did this criminal proceeding take 5 years?
  • asking for a friend (09/09/2020, 12:31) Like (6) Dislike (3) Reply
    this is too much over kill what about the white captain he got away with murder?
    • @ asking for a friend (09/09/2020, 18:31) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      why you ask blacks lives does not matter in the bvi legal system
  • Hmm (09/09/2020, 13:45) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Why didn't he get a good lawyer trained in these matters.
  • T see (09/09/2020, 14:52) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    @ vG right now u don't have any sense not even d common one
  • Vg ras (09/09/2020, 14:52) Like (3) Dislike (7) Reply
    I to remember dat well
    He didn’t flee the scene
    Ferry was leaving Vg dock same time he sent them to check on the people who said they were fine
    Wen all fine was heard he proceeded
  • Valley (09/09/2020, 15:32) Like (2) Dislike (6) Reply
    Sammy is a good yute
  • speak out (09/09/2020, 15:53) Like (6) Dislike (2) Reply
    While bvi has alot of lawyers per capita, most of the lawyers here are what we call "paper" lawyer ,they are good at cooperate law behind their desk,As soon as they move away from their desk ,they are render useless.I find that cooperate lawyers cannot articulate themselves well in front a judge or magistrate in a regular civil and /or criminal matter .And the few lawyers that are kinda ok ,you will find them socializing with their client's other side.
  • No problem (09/09/2020, 16:31) Like (9) Dislike (6) Reply
    He can always rent his barge to the government for a day, the he can pay his fine and be $1k in pocket
  • ohh boi (09/09/2020, 19:39) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    This accident is just what it was "an Accident". Not taking sides as I wasn't on board.Part of the problem there was "boats " coming into BVI waters after Customs closed; in this incident this was one such case where they anchored in the marked channel leading to the dock waiting for the offices to open to come ashore.With the BRIGHT lights that BVI Ports have installed in the area DOES NOT aid your approach if the sea is CALM ; light reflects on water like a mirror.We are all glad No one was hurt ;I am sure " Sammy" will pay his fines . He as owner is held liable ,but there are others in the Governments' Maritime Division that should be "charged"with Negligence in maintaining bouys/markers/lights and water ways.
  • Illigal (09/09/2020, 22:51) Like (2) Dislike (6) Reply
    They coming in BVI Waters after customs close so that they can perform their illegal activities. Getting law abiding citizens in trouble.


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