Estervan Jefferson off to prison yesterday March 4, 2015 after being denied bail by Senior Magistrate Tamia Richards. Photo: VINO

The court heard yesterday March 4, 2015 that the man, prior to his latest court matter, was out on bail for two other criminal cases amounting to over $45,000 in bail. And the fact that he got into trouble while on bail was grounds for the Senior Magistrate to protect the society from him.

The most recent crime that he allegedly committed was traffic in nature and amounted to eight (8) charges; two counts of criminal damages, taking conveyance without authority, driving drunk, not being covered by insurance, having no driver’s license, failing to stop at the scene of an accident and reckless driving.

The court heard from the Crown that it was on October 3, 2014 a driver of the BVI Electricity Corporation had parked one of the company’s vehicles at a supermarket in East End, leaving the key in the ignition and the engine running and went into the store. Upon his return, the driver reportedly discovered the vehicle gone.

This was immediately reported to the East End Police Station by the BVIEC driver who was shortly after informed that the vehicle was found but well damaged and couldn’t be driven. Damages were at the front right portion, right wheel, rear bumper and left rear glass door. It was said to have been involved in an accident.

A woman from Josiah’s Bay had reported to police that her vehicle was hit by a BVIEC vehicle and the driver had sped away. The accused was later arrested and was allegedly smelling "high of alcohol".  

The person who had reported that her vehicle was hit by a BVIEC vehicle had a witness who allegedly saw the accused dropping off another person in the Josiah's Bay area and while reversing hit her vehicle and failed to stop to have the matter checked or reported.

Taken into custody, the accused allegedly told police that he couldn’t recall what had happened. He was subsequently charged. The damages to one vehicle amounted to some $16, 000 while the other was more than over $3000.

At the time of the incident, the man was a resident of Little Dix Hill, East End/Long Look but at least up until his next court appearance his place of residence will be Her Majesty's Prison, Balsum Ghut. He has been assured of a speedy trial and at the time of his appearance yesterday he was un-represented. However, a lawyer who was present in court at the time rose to assist in making a bail application but it was subsequently denied.