bpspmr's blog
Man Sentenced to 16 Years’ Imprisonment for Child Sexual Abuse
Tue, 2023-04-11
The Bermuda Police Service (BPS) notes the Supreme Court sentencing of 26-year-old Maleke Martin today, Tuesday 11th April 2023, to 16 year’s imprisonment regarding sexual exploitation of a child offences.
Those incidents occurred two years ago and a police investigation commenced.
Following a Supreme Court trial, Mr. Martin was found guilty in December 2022 of two counts of child sexual exploitation and one count of showing offensive material to a child.
At trial, the Special Measures for Child Witnesses in Criminal Cases legislation was utilised for the first time locally, a key provision of the Child Safeguarding (Miscellaneous Amendments) Act 2019, as outlined by Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs & Constitutional Reform, the Hon. Kathy Lynn Simmons, JP, MP, in her Ministerial Statement Monday, 27th February 2023. This new legislation allowed for pre-recorded evidence from the child to be used during trial, instead of the child giving evidence in front of the defendant and a jury.
Specifically, Mr. Martin was sentenced as follows:
1st count – 13½ years’ imprisonment for sexual exploitation of a young person, being a person in trust;
2nd count – 16 years’ imprisonment for sexual exploitation of a young person, being a person in trust;
3rd count – 6 years’ imprisonment for showing abusive images to a young person.
All sentences are to run concurrently and at least half of the 16 years’ imprisonment must be served, before parole eligibility.
Additionally, Mr. Martin will be placed on the Sex Offenders Register and upon release from prison, will have to complete a 15 year supervision order.
The BPS takes our role in child safeguarding seriously, which involves ongoing partnerships with the Government, the judiciary and relevant community organisations to help protect young, vulnerable people.
Read MoreSuspected Illegal Drugs Seized After Report From Member of the Public
Mon, 2023-04-10
Around 4:20 p.m. on Friday, April 8th, 2023, police received a report that a black bag containing several brown brick shaped packages wrapped in tape had been spotted in the water near Heritage Wharf, Royal Naval Dockyard, Sandys.
Officers entered the water and recovered the bag containing the items believed to be controlled drugs.
The bag and its contents have since been secured, and will be submitted to the Government analysts for testing in due course.
Acting Detective Chief Inspector Derricka Burnsexpressed her gratitude to the member of the public who contacted the police to report the discovery.
Ms Burns stated: “The decision by this individual to inform police of this situation, no doubt prevented a significant quantity of what appears to be illegal narcotics from reaching the streets and posing a threat to the safety and wellbeing of the community, given the attendant problems created by, and associated with the illegal drugs trade on the island. They are to be commended.”
The investigation into this matter remains ongoing.
Easter Holiday Weekend Police Activity
Mon, 2023-04-10
The Bermuda Police Service (BPS) conducted proactive patrols throughout the Easter holiday weekend. From 5pm Thursday, 6th April until 5am Monday, 10th April 2023 there were 23 people arrested, consisting of:
• 11 for outstanding warrants;
• 8 on suspicion of impaired driving;
• 1 for intruding on the privacy of a female;
• 1 for wilful damage;
• 1 for being drunk and incapable;
• 1 for breach of the peace.
Additionally, there were 31 stop and searches conducted and 72 traffic tickets issued.
Chief Inspector Robert Cardwell, Tactical Operations Division – “Since last week Thursday, 6th April through to Sunday, 9th April the BPS carried out roadside sobriety testing in various locations throughout the island. There were 2,620 motorist engagements over the weekend. An engagement is where a motorist is stopped and a sobriety assessment is conducted. 12 motorists were tested on a roadside sobriety testing device. 8 failed this test and were arrested on suspicion of impaired driving.
All were then taken to the Hamilton Police Station, to conduct the official alco-analyser. 6 refused to take the test, 1 failed and 1 passed. As a result, the person that passed the official alco-analyser test was released without charge, while the 7 other individuals have been released on police bail to attend Hamilton Magistrates’ Court in due course. In addition, during roadside sobriety testing exercises, 6 people were arrested for outstanding court warrants and 46 moving violation tickets were issued for the following offences:
• Tint 12
• Licence plate 2
• Unlicensed vehicle 13
• No insurance 10
• No driver’s licence 4
• Youth licence offence 4
• Defective vehicle 1
There were also 5 motorist advice notices (official written warnings) issued. This represents an extremely productive, proactive policing weekend. On top of the roadside sobriety testing, officers also kept an eye on many of the social events occurring across the island. We are pleased that all of the events went off without incident.”
Witness Appeals Regarding Three Ongoing Murder Investigations
Thu, 2023-04-06
The Bermuda Police Service is again renewing its appeal for the assistance of the public in bringing to justice those responsible for the murders of Jordan Outerbridge, Laje Franklin and Che Jennings.
We are indeed grateful to those individuals who have so far come forward to provide information which has proven invaluable to these ongoing murder investigations.
However, we remain confident there are other members of the public who have knowledge of the circumstances surrounding these heinous acts, but for whatever reason, are choosing not to come forward and tell us what they know.
Jordan Outerbridge:
Jordan Outerbridge was shot around 10:34 p.m. on Tuesday 6th April, 2021. He was found on the Railway Trail off Tribe Road #2, Warwick. He too suffered multiple gunshot wounds.
Resuscitation efforts by Police & Emergency Medical Technicians were unsuccessful, and Mr. Outerbridge was declared dead at hospital.
Mr. Outerbridge left behind his loving wife and son to mourn his passing.
We have learned that Mr. Outerbridge was attending a regularly scheduled card game at a residence at the location.
Mr. Outerbridge was first to leave the house, and was shot by a gunman, who jumped on the back of a waiting motorcycle.
The gunman wore a blue coloured jacket with a hood, his accomplice wore black clothing.
Anyone with information on the murder of Jordan Outerbridge is urged to contact Detective Inspector Smith on 717-0864 or via e-mail – jsmith2@bps.bm.
Laje Franklin:
You would remember, a passer-by found Laje’s lifeless body lying near the roundabout on the roadway leading to Clearwatwer Beach, shortly after 6:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 6th 2022.
Laje’s body bore several gunshot wounds.
Detective Inspector Jason Smith of Serious Crime Unit said, “There was forensic evidence recovered at the scene to confirm that Laje was shot near where his body was found. We are appealing for anyone who may have heard any suspicious noises or seen anyone acting in a suspicious manner in the area of Tommy Fox Road or near the Gulfstream residences at Southside, between 11:00 p.m. on Tuesday 5th April 2022 and the early hours of Wednesday 6th April, 2022, to please get please get in contact with us.”
Mr. Smith added, “Yet another young man has been taken away from us and again by means of a senseless act of violence, I urge the public to come forward and tell us what they know, to not only help bring whomever is responsible to justice, but also to bring closure to the family of this young man, who are left to mourn his passing.”
Again, Anyone with information on the murders of Laje Franklin is urged to contact Detective Inspector Smith on 717-0864 or via e-mail – jsmith2@bps.bm.
Che Jennings:
Detectives from the Serious Crime Unit are continuing their appeal for witnesses in relation to the Murder of Che Jennings.
Che Jennings, aged 24 yrs at the time of his death, was fatally shot in the parking lot of Warwick Workmen’s Club on Thursday April, 7th 2022 around 8:30PM. This was during a community Good Friday/ Easter event.
There are persons that witnessed the incident that can assist the Bermuda Police Service in bringing closure to Che’ s family and friends; and to hold those responsible to account.
Detectives are appealing for anyone with information related to the murder of Che Jennings, to come forward.
Anyone with information who wishes to assist can contact the Serious Crime Unit on 247-1739 or Senior Investigating Officer Detective Sergeant Anneka Donawa on 717-2250. Detective Sergeant Donawa may also be reached via e-mail - adonawa@bps.bm.
If you would prefer not to speak with either Detective Inspector Smith, anonymous tips can be provided via the independent and confidential Crime Stoppers Bermuda hotline 800-8477, or their website, www.crimestoppers.bm.
If you are more comfortable doing so, we urge you to please provide the information to a police officer you know.
Reported Gunshots Confirmed to be From Trap & Skeet Shooting Range
Thu, 2023-04-06
Around 4:15 p.m. on Wednesday, 5th April, 2023, police received a report of gunshots heard in the area of Elliott Primary School.
Officers immediately attended the scene and spoke with persons present.
However, there were no obvious signs that a firearms incident occurred in the area.
While officers were at the scene, they heard what were believed to be more gunshots to the east of Elliott Primary.
Officers suspected the gunshots may have been coming from the nearby trap and skeet shooting range.
Further investigations confirmed that the trap and skeet range was indeed active and that was where the shots heard originated.
We would like to thank the public for their vigilance in bringing this matter to our attention, thus allowing us to speedily address their concerns and allay any fears.
Good Friday Holiday Policing
Thu, 2023-04-06
The upcoming Good Friday Holiday and the Easter Weekend will see a number of events and festive activities at various locations across the Island. The Bermuda Police Service takes this opportunity to advise the public on a number of matters to ensure a peaceful and safe time during this period.
During the holiday weekend the public will notice a visible police presence as patrols attend the various community events throughout the Island with a view to deterring anti-social behaviour.
Martin Weekes, Assistant Commissioner of Police said: “We apologise in advance and seek the patience of members of the public who may feel the effects of our pro-active policing initiatives which can be expected throughout the weekend as we focus our attention on deterring and arresting those persons who are intent on disrupting the holiday festivities with acts of violence and criminality.”
“During this period, we expect to see a large number of kites flying as part of Bermuda’s Easter traditions and we urge the public to be considerate of your neighbours when flying your kites. Please take note of the safety advice issued by BELCO as well as the advisory notices published by the Airport authorities in regards to kites being flown near the airport or on the airport approaches.”
The BPS usually gets a high number of noise complaints during this period, and we ask that you work together with your neighbours to prevent any disputes and resolve any issues with minimal police interference.
The BPS will be continuing to enforce traffic offences under Operation VEGA, such as the use of cellphones whilst driving, impaired driving and speeding will again be targeted this weekend. Roadside Sobreity Checkpoints will also be in place over the long weekend and so we urge the public that if you’re going to drink, make sure that you have a designated driver. Do not drink and drive.
Work with us to make it a safe holiday weekend.
Road Sobriety Checkpoints in Effect 6th Through 9th April 2023
Wed, 2023-04-05
Motorists are advised that the Bermuda Police Service (BPS) will be conducting road sobriety checkpoints in 7 parishes (Hamilton parish, Smith’s parish, Devonshire, Pembroke, Paget, Warwick & Southampton) starting this Thursday evening, 6th April through Sunday, 9th April 2023.
BPS officers from the Community Policing Division, Tactical Operations and Roads Policing Unit will operate the checkpoints, which are in addition to general patrol officers enforcing Operation Vega.
Please plan ahead and do your part by not driving or riding impaired. If you are intending to go out and socialise, make sure you have arranged for a designated driver, taxi or another responsible transportation service to get you to your destination safely.
Bladed Article Incidents
Tue, 2023-04-04
The Bermuda Police Service, (BPS), continues to be called to attend incidents involving the use of bladed articles.
Between April 1st 2022 and April 1st 2023, there have been a total of 25 bladed article injury incidents reported to and investigated by police. Sadly, three of these 25 incidents have resulted in death. These are being investigated as murders, for which suspects have been arrested.
The ages of the victims of bladed article attacks range from 13, to 52 years of age, suggesting that age is not a barrier to becoming a victim of knife crime. Apart from one incident in which a female was stabbed at Horseshoe Bay in May of last year, the victims are all male.
The ages of the suspects in these matters range from 14 to 46 years of age with, 50% of suspects in their 20s. We are particularly concerned with trends of young people of school age carrying bladed items and we urge parents to talk to their children to make them aware of the dangers of knife crime and the serious injuries that be inflicted with a bladed article.
It is troubling that individuals are arming themselves with bladed items out of fear of being targeted for violence. However, we reiterate that carrying a knife or other bladed item actually puts you at greater risk of becoming involved in a dangerous situation, rather than preventing you from becoming a victim. Our advice is always that should you feel threatened, walk away from possible confrontation.
The BPS will continue to work to make Bermuda safer by conducting checks under Section 315F of the Criminal Code Act 1907, which gives police the power to stop and search individuals and vehicles to prevent violence. This is not a power that is used indiscriminately but is used in a careful and proportionate manner. Deployment of these stop checks are overseen by an officer of Superintendent rank and reviewed each month.
The penalties for being found in public carrying a bladed article, if convicted on indictment, are imprisonment for four years or a fine of five thousand dollars or both.
If you feel threatened, do not arm yourself. Report your concern to someone in authority. Whether that person be a parent, caregiver or some other adult or, obviously the police. You may call 211, the main police number 295-0011 or, speak with a police officer you’re familiar with. The BPS is here to help reduce harm and make Bermuda safer.
Operation Vega Update for March & First Quarter of 2023
Mon, 2023-04-03
Chief Inspector Robert Cardwell, Tactical Operations Division – “In the first quarter of 2023 collision numbers have trended upwards, when compared to the previous year. The prevalent reasons for collisions are inattention and carelessness. Bermuda has suffered four fatal collisions in 2023’s first quarter, which is higher than the three fatal collisions recorded in the first quarter of 2022. Serious injury collisions continue to rise.”
Statistics
There were 66 impaired driving arrests in the first quarter of 2023 – 14 in January, 27 in February and 25 in March – compared to 34 impaired driving arrests in the first quarter of 2022.
During the month of March 2023, 468 traffic tickets were issued, up from 358 in the previous reporting period. In addition, 51 motorist advice notices (official written warnings) were issued, down from 56 in the previous reporting period.
172 parking tickets were also issued, up from 105 in the previous reporting period.
Since the start of Operation Vega (6th July 2021), a total of 9,230 traffic tickets have been issued.
The breakdown of ticketed traffic offences for March 2023 is below. The change compared to the previous reporting period is provided in brackets.
Speeding 241 (+19) Speeds ranged from 60 kph to 93 kph.
Traffic sign 26 (-26)
Unlicensed vehicle 50 (+26)
No third party insurance 46 (+25)
No driver’s licence 54 (+37)
Manner of driving 2 (-3)
Disqualified driver 7 (+7)
Seatbelt 4 (+2)
Helmet 8 (0)
Handheld device 18 (+15)
Defective vehicle 2 (0)
Fail to give name/address 0 (0)
Fail to stop 5 (+3)
Fraudulent documents 0 (0)
Making false statement 2 (+2)
License plate offence 7 (+7)
Tint offence 0 (0)
Youth license offence 2 (+2)
Sudden Death of 31-Year-Old Amanda Chibwe
Tue, 2023-03-28
The Bermuda Police Service can now confirm the identity of the sudden death victim who was pulled from the waters off Southlands Beach in Warwick as 31-year-old Amanda Chibwe.
Around 4:45p.m. on Friday, 24th March, 2023, police and other first responders attended Southlands Beach following reports that a woman was found unresponsive in the water and pulled to shore.
She was attended to at the scene by EMTs and was subsequently transported via ambulance to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, where sadly, she was pronounced dead a short time later.
Foul play has been ruled out.
Ms. Chibwe, a U.K. National, was visiting the island at the time of her passing.
The Bermuda Police Service extends its condolences to Ms. Chibwe’s family and loved ones.
