BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – FAILURE of the prosecution’s main witness to appear before the court has resulted in the withdrawal of the “indecent assault” charge which was brought against taxi driver and political activist Walford Arthurton.
In early March of last year, a young woman reported to officers at the Basseterre Police Station that she was inappropriately touched by Arthurton, which resulted in a charge being preferred against him.
He was formally arrested, charged and granted bail in the sum of $25 000 with two sureties. As a condition of his bail, he was ordered to stay no less than 100 feet away from the virtual complainant and he was also to have surrendered his travel documents.
At a recent interview with SKNVibes, Arthurton revealed that the case was called a number of times at the District “A” Magistrate Court, Basseterre, and each time the virtual complainant failed to make an appearance.
This media house spoke with Head of the Police Force’s Press and Public Relations Office, Inspector Cromwell Henry and confirmed that the case was withdrawn because the main witness in the case, the alleged victim, did not show up for court when she was to have done so.
Speaking exclusively with SKNVibes, Arthurton explained that the ordeal was a very trying one, throughout which he maintained his innocence. He gave thanks to God for seeing him through.
“A young lady accused me of committing a certain offence and although from the beginning I was reluctant to speak, I maintained my innocence. The case was called several times and she did not show up for court on any occasion. The final time was March 30th of this year, and during that session the Magistrate, Josephine Mallelieu-Webbe, withdrew the case because the main prosecution witness failed to show up for the case.
“I am giving God thanks. He brought me through a very trying time; and for that, to God be the glory. I would not have believed that people who you trust as friends and family could be so devious.”
Arthurton, Public Relations Officer (PRO) for the United National Empowerment Party (UNEP), also conveyed gratitude to those individuals who showed him support throughout the ordeal.
“Thanks to all the well-wishers and supporters, who stood by my side and encouraged me to stand firm.”
