Controversial Magistrate sends Violet ‘Letty’ Hodge to prison for 6 years
According to Magistrate DeBreo, the $100,000 fine is to be paid within two months or the former President of the BVI Horse Owners' Association, Mrs Hodge, will spend an additional six months at Her Majesty’s Prison located at Balsam Ghut on the main island of Tortola.
It remains unclear why the court proceeding was held at the Road Town Police Station. Last year, following a lengthy trial, Mrs Hodge was found NOT guilty of possession of a prohibited firearm and ammunition, and NOT guilty of money laundering.
However, she was charged with conspiracy to import cocaine, after persons in United States penitentiary who it was said was trying to ‘save themselves”, testified against her.
Mrs Hodge, the co-owner with her husband Earl 'Bob' Hodge of the popular L & B Racing Stables at Ellis Thomas Downs in Sea Cows Bay, was represented by prominent United Kingdom attorney Julian Knowles QC and local attorney Patrick Thompson.
Mrs Hodge, who was just this year named the Virgin Islands Emancipation Festival parade marshal, continues to maintain her innocence and has been consistent in denying the allegations.
Her attorneys are expected to appeal the sentence.
VI reacts
Many in the community believe the sentence is too harsh in light that Mrs Hodge is reported not to be in good health. Others believe she was just used as a scapegoat for others they could not get.
Others have praised Mrs Hodge for her outstanding contributions to sports and culture over the years by keeping horse racing in the Greater Virgin Islands alive, both as a horse owner and the President of the organisation.
For many years, Mrs Hodge had one of the biggest troupes in the annual Tortola August Monday Parade and had sponsored many social and sporting activities.
Justice or abuse of power?
The controversial Magistrate Ayanna O. Baptiste DaBreo, who handed down the sentence, made news last month when she ordered a prominent businessman, a son of the soil and former Permanent Secretary to be sent to jail after he missed a court date but produced a medical certificate some three days before the hearing, confirming that he was ill and therefore not able to attend court.
It is reported that a lawsuit was filed against the Magistrate but all parties are tight-lipped.
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68 Responses to “Controversial Magistrate sends Violet ‘Letty’ Hodge to prison for 6 years”
Such sh*t. Common this wonan is a great woman and i believe that truly abuse of power. The woman is not in good health. Nice wonderful person i prY god it work out.
If you love her as you say you do let's see how often you visit.
Sorry to have to inform you folks but if this was in the US they take every dime house land, boat, car everything!!!
I wish the family the best
Everybody involved in this case gets off except Letty ??????? HOW ?????
I don't know why that person came on here and posted those words '' Don't mess with Vincentians that was so stupid to say the lease.
Cocaine. She has no previous criminal record. After 17 years, she was pardoned by Obama.
Don't remember her first name,surname is Jones.
No sympathy here. Time longer than twine..I laugh at these posting on this tread who expressing sympathy for LH...the Magistrate did what she is getting paid to do...let LH appeal the sentence if she feel it is unjust and then let the Court of Appeal decide. Like I said no sympathy here..None whatsoever.
We good.. all these $%^&* island people with them breadfruit mentality... woow