Earl D. Hodge & Roberto Harrigan denied bail; Remain @ HMP
Both local men are wanted by the United States of America (USA) to face charges in relation to an alleged 13-year drug ring.
However, their Attorneys-at-Law, Stephen R. Daniels, and Patrick Thompson, filed a writ of habeas corpus within the 15 days required, as they moved to appeal the Magistrate’s decision at the High Court level.
Bail denied
Without an appeal hearing both men sought bail to be free until a decision is made; however, on Friday January 19, 2018 via video link at the Ritter Building in Wickham's Cay II on Tortola, Justice Nicola P. Byer handed down a decision, rejecting the bail arguments put forward by Attorneys Daniels and Thompson.
If the men lose the Appeal of Magistrate Innocent's decision, they have other legal options, including going to the United Kingdom Privy Council, the Virgin Islands’ final court.
Hodge and Harrigan were arrested by local police on February 7, 2017 after the USA Government issued a fresh extradition order for the men.
Was there justice?
High Court Judge Vicki A. Ellis had ruled that former Governor William B. McCleary's decision to issue an Order to Proceed with an extradition hearing be quashed and that the matter be remitted to the Governor for reconsideration in accordance with the judgment of the court.
The men had challenged the Order to Proceed with a second extradition hearing ordered by McCleary on October 11, 2012.
Many human rights observers and legal experts were not clear about the role of two former governors, William B. McCleary and John S. Duncan OBE, in this case. Mr Duncan was summoned to appear in person at one of the hearings.
===========================
Editor’s note: Our newsroom erred with some previous information published today January 21, 2018 on this matter & humbly and politely apologise to all affected.
29 Responses to “Earl D. Hodge & Roberto Harrigan denied bail; Remain @ HMP”
Long live vino
That whole case is injustice to them we have to expose the injustice and lies from the persecution
Love pasa pasa