UPDATE: Police Officers’ assault trial moved to Sept
The two men, Wendell Anthony, 36, and Marvin Robinson, 32, both pleaded not guilty to the charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm when they appeared before the Magistrate’s court previously on February 12, 2013.
The incident allegedly occurred on June 24, 2012 in Huntums Ghut at the residence of George, who is the Virtual Complainant (VC) in the matter. George succumbed to injuries sustained after the motor scooter he was riding collided with a pick-up on September 27, 2012.
When the matter was called today, Senior Crown Counsel Valston Graham said the Crown was in a position to proceed and was ready to have its witnesses for the expected start of the trial but the defendants’ attorney, Mr Richard Rowe was in the High Court at the time
The trial is now expected to begin on September 5, 2013.
See previous story posted February 13, 2013:
Police officers charged for allegedly assaulting Brandon George
- granted $20k bail each
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Two Officers of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF), Wendell Anthony, 36, and Marvin Robinson, 32, both denied charges of assault occasioning actual bodily harm when they appeared before the Magistrate’s Court on February 12, 2013.
The men, both unrepresented at the time of their arraignment, are jointly charged with allegedly committing the offence against Brandon George (now deceased) in Huntums Ghut on June 24, 2012. The Virtual Complainant (VC), George, succumbed to injuries sustained after the motor scooter he was riding collided with a pick-up on September 27, 2012.
Senior Crown Counsel Valston Graham, in reading the allegations against the duo, said George, 18 years old at the time, was riding his scooter accompanied by another friend whom he later dropped off at the basketball court in Huntums Ghut.
The court heard that Officer Anthony observed the VC on a bike with no ID plates and signalled to him. George reportedly rode off and went to his residence in Huntums Ghut where he later parked his bike.
Shortly afterwards, the VC reportedly heard voices outside and saw Officer Anthony and a friend outside on his stairway. Anthony then allegedly told George to come outside as he was taking (the VC’s) motorcycle.
It was at this point that the VC reportedly telephoned his mother and related what was happening and made attempts for his mother to speak with Mr Anthony, which proved unsuccessful.
Officer Anthony allegedly repeated his claim of removing the motorcycle when the VC reportedly replied, “You’re not going with any bike.” George also added that he knew his bike was ‘straight’ and reportedly attempted to show Officer Anthony the documents for his bike. Senior Crown Counsel Graham stated that it was further alleged that Anthony knocked the documents out of the VC’s hand.
Robinson subsequently arrived at George’s residence and as he was entering the premises, the VC’s dog in the driveway reportedly started barking at him. Officer Robinson allegedly fired several kicks and stones in the direction of the dog. The VC intervened and attempted to block Robinson from throwing rocks and Robinson allegedly held on to George; a struggle then ensued between the two before Anthony allegedly intervened.
It was further alleged that Anthony hit George in the stomach and chest area and the VC was also head butted by Anthony who was wearing a helmet at the time; this reportedly caused several injuries to the VC.
A couple of George’s friends were reportedly present and observed as the officers allegedly handcuffed the VC and took him to the Police station after which he was taken to Peebles Hospital for medical treatment for the injuries he reportedly received to his head.
Complaints were later made to the Complaints and Disciplinary Division of the RVIPF regarding the treatment of Mr George. The Chief Inspector reportedly carried out investigations related to the matter.
Officer Robinson was reportedly told of the report on November 27, 2012 while the allegations were put to Officer Anthony on November 28, 2012. Both defendants reportedly made no reply after which they were told of the offence and that charges were likely to be brought.
Both parents of the deceased were present during the court hearing.
The defendants were each granted $20,000 bail and asked to return to court on March 8, 2013.
49 Responses to “UPDATE: Police Officers’ assault trial moved to Sept”
You have to be a family of the police who allegedly did this horrific thing to George...Never heard anyone complain about George Cursing and was rude. You are a cronic Liar.
A man in the US Virgin Islands succumbed to injuries sustained in a beating of the head days after the event because of previous beatings to the head by thugs not treated in time -or at all, which lead to massive internal bleeding during the last beating and then death.
So, you may be spot on there now "." !!
While Morris sing he come-back song
To all the lovers in the BVI.
Love.
Brandon is gone why do we continue to torment his soul. Geez man P*m needs to give it up....if he was still here I would agree with this but gosh man he's gone. What is the objective of this at this time? If the officers are guilty there time will come, if not now later, if they continue to behave in this manner and not change their ways. There is a God up above, and he says vengeance is his, he will repay. P*m stop being so bitter and allow Jehovah to heal you. You will not heal if you continue with this. This is not for Brandon anymore, this is for you. Brandon is gone not because of the police but because of an accident, you need to stop and let his soul rest and let your family begin to heal. The police have paid long enough for what they did, its time to move on.