BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - THREE individuals who were set to go to trial during the September 2015 Criminal Assizes, were freed of the charges brought against them after the prosecution indicated its decision not to proceed with the cases.
Charged with rape, Elsworth Boddie and Akeem Nisbett appeared before the Basseterre High Court yesterday (Sept. 22) and, having mounted the prisoner’s dock, the prosecution informed of its decision.
Crown Counsel Giovanni James informed the Court that the virtual complainant (VC) had died and the Crown did not think it would be fair to Boddie and Nisbett to proceed with the case, especially since there was no possibility of questioning the VC in the matter.
Resultantly, Her Ladyship Justice Marlene Carter informed the men that the case against them was dropped and that they were discharged.
A similar situation played out regarding the case against Michael Govia. He too was charged with a sexual offence and Crown Counsel James informed the Court that since the virtual complainant in the matter is deceased, the Crown was not minded to proceed with the case.
To this end, he informed that a nolle prosequi application was filed in August of this year and it was served.
Her Ladyship Carter informed Govia that because of the foregoing, the charge against him was dropped and he was discharged of the matter.
