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Police officer guilty of indecent assault on a minor to be sentenced Nov 27

- Walter Harris was found guilty in the Magistrate’s Court on May 29, 2024
Police officer Walter Harris, who was found guilty of indecent assault on a minor in the Magistrate’s Court on May 29, 2024, is to be sentenced on November 27, 2024. Photo: Team of Reporters/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- A police officer who was found guilty of indecent assault on a minor in the Magistrate’s Court on May 29, 2024, is to be sentenced on November 27, 2024.

Walter Harris was found guilty of having two sexual encounters with the child.

During the trial, the court heard that there was a line of contact between the complainant and the police officer in 2014 as they shared a filial relationship. The said contact continued into July 2015 and on a day unknown the child had accompanied the police officer to one of the sister islands to visit with a family friend.

On that occasion, the accused had invited the child to accompany him to the police station on that island where he engaged in an inappropriate sexual manner with the child.

According to the court, later in that said month there was yet another inappropriate sexual contact with the child. In this instance the accused allegedly had the child accompany him to a hotel where he interacted with the child in a sexually inappropriate manner.

The court also heard that on the latter occasion, the defendant had given the child a sum of money and some refreshments. Subsequently, the child allegedly related the incidents to her mother and a police officer.

The matter was reported to police and the child was taken to Dr D. Orlando Smith Hospital where she was examined.

Harris had pleaded not guilty & granted bail

When Harris appeared in court on September 20, 2015, he pleaded not guilty to two counts of indecent assault before Magistrate Ayana Baptiste-DaBreo.

He was placed on $70,000 bail with one or two sureties.

'Lock him up & throw away the keys'

The sentencing hearing on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, will be done before Senior Magistrate Tamia N. Richards.

Meanwhile, a close relative of the victim told our News Centre they were anxious to see justice served, adding that they were growing frustrated that it took about 10 years to get to this point.

“Lock him up and throw away the keys,” the still highly upset relative exclaimed.

Harris was sent on compulsory leave in 2015; however, it is unclear if he has since been terminated, as efforts to get a comment from the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) were unsuccessful.

44 Responses to “Police officer guilty of indecent assault on a minor to be sentenced Nov 27”

  • 10 years to get justice. Unbelievable. (14/11/2024, 16:13) Like (47) Dislike (0) Reply
    This long dragged out road to justice is unacceptable. The judicial system needs to do better.

    I am all for locking up any adult who sexually assaults, sexually abuse, or have sexual contact with a child in any way.

    Children should be off limited to the sexual desires of ALL adults.

    Any adult who violates children sexually needs to be held accountable. Lock his behind up.
  • Guest (14/11/2024, 16:23) Like (13) Dislike (0) Reply
    Wow. This is just unbelievable.
  • That magistrate (14/11/2024, 16:27) Like (7) Dislike (2) Reply
    Big trouble for you Harris, you got a
    No nonsense Magistrate that don’t play with men who are criminals or law breakers!

    Sorry you got caught up, we been school mates plus we came up VG.
    • huh (16/11/2024, 09:40) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
      This is NOT being caught up!!! HE MADE A CONSCIOUS DECISION IN MOLESTING PPL CHILD. YOUNG INNOCENT CHILD!!! Strups!
  • resident (14/11/2024, 16:29) Like (39) Dislike (1) Reply
    why is justice so slow, this was from 10 years ago
  • British Clown Islands (14/11/2024, 16:36) Like (9) Dislike (1) Reply
    TEN years? This is why we should turn an eye to Street Justice.
  • de silent one (14/11/2024, 16:40) Like (17) Dislike (1) Reply
    Omg! This matter took forever to come to a conclusion. He need to be dealt with to the fullest extent of the law, its people like him have the force in such of mess. An example must be set that such behaviour will not be tolerated regardless of who you are. He's likely getting a christmas gift.
  • Manjack (14/11/2024, 16:58) Like (15) Dislike (1) Reply
    10 years to bring the case to trial! Whiskey Tango Foxtrot !! Justice delayed is justice denied. This eternity is neither fair to the complainant or defendant, is it not? The judicial system should be ashamed of itself. Whose purview is the judiciary under , is it not the UK-appointed Govenor? Did the Sir Gary Hickinbottom’s one man CoI look at the judiciary and what were the findings and recommendations? Was the judiciary exempted, for it falls under the Governor whose office commissioned the CoI? Did might is right play into the equation or it was a wh…e is right affair? Can’t the Governor not set maximum times for bringing most cases to trial ?
    • @ Manjack (15/11/2024, 16:41) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
      To your last question, the answer is "No". There is a separation of powers. The Court handles cases, not the Governor.
  • Time for a k@// (14/11/2024, 17:02) Like (10) Dislike (1) Reply
    "Ten years" wtffff???? How can society function like this??
  • conner (14/11/2024, 17:34) Like (19) Dislike (0) Reply
    If you catch one, it got more.
  • DUTTY DAWG (14/11/2024, 17:36) Like (20) Dislike (1) Reply
    Nothing smells worse than a rotten cop
  • Nothing to doubt (14/11/2024, 17:37) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    Maybe just maybe he had pulled that gun on the child
  • bvi (14/11/2024, 17:42) Like (13) Dislike (0) Reply
    SEE WHO AYO ARMING AND HABORING?
  • calypsonian (14/11/2024, 19:07) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    Harris Walters
  • Blind Man (14/11/2024, 19:08) Like (16) Dislike (1) Reply
    We saw over ten years for justice while this officer collected 29 years half pay for his crime this system has failed the minor
  • 2024 (14/11/2024, 19:41) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    Is home boy still on island
    criminals on the streets and department of police
  • Junie (14/11/2024, 19:41) Like (12) Dislike (2) Reply
    Please help me to understand!!! In 2015, he pleaded not guilty and placed on $70,000 bail at that time.

    Fast forward to now ten years later, he’s to be sentenced later this month. When was the trial? Was he found guilty? Did he change his plea somewhere along the line? How has he gotten to the sentencing phase without the trial or change of plea in between?

    This article needs to make sense. Can we get the full story please?
    • smh (15/11/2024, 10:10) Like (14) Dislike (0) Reply
      The article clearly states he was found guilty!
      "Police officer Walter Harris, who was found guilty of indecent assault on a minor in the Magistrate’s Court on May 29, 2024, is to be sentenced on November 27, 2024."
    • Hmmmm (15/11/2024, 11:04) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
      In the article it states that he had court May 29th, 2024. I found it alarming that it took 10 years to come to a decision which is injustice to both parties and want to make you look at the system sideways. These kind of mess-ups by the lower court causes people to appeal.
    • LOL (16/11/2024, 09:43) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      READ READ READ AGAIN!
  • Linda (14/11/2024, 19:48) Like (14) Dislike (1) Reply
    10 YEARS? The victim is an adult now!
  • Not the first (14/11/2024, 20:33) Like (29) Dislike (5) Reply
    The bvi police force is filled with criminals from abroad who could not find work at home. This must be the only place in the world where proper checks are not done on people taking up residency and such importance jobs.
  • Report, Report, Report!!!! (14/11/2024, 20:47) Like (11) Dislike (1) Reply
    Lord, Please intervene with all this disgusting behaviour happening in our lands. Parents have a close relationship with your children, question your children often, ask the very young about secrets they may have, teach your children to speak up and do not fear any threats from ANYONE. I don't care if its an uncle, cousin, neighbour, or family friend. Keep an eye on your children from small and establish good lines of communication ALWAYS! Some do not understand that these hard back men are just out to use and abuse them.
  • now (14/11/2024, 21:04) Like (17) Dislike (0) Reply
    Top.of the list of the sex offenders registry
  • Correction (14/11/2024, 21:46) Like (21) Dislike (0) Reply
    Harris Walters Shame on you
    • @correction (15/11/2024, 08:30) Like (19) Dislike (0) Reply
      A person who suppose to be protecting the community taking advantage of the youths. He sick in his head.
      • Shameful (15/11/2024, 12:51) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
        @correction. The DOG has children with the child’s mother ( she was about 75-80 lbs when this trial ok place —-the courtsFAILED this child ( young lady)
  • Scorpion peppersauce (14/11/2024, 23:42) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Will cool him
  • Sara (15/11/2024, 07:59) Like (17) Dislike (0) Reply
    It took almost 10yrs for the child to get justice.....totally unacceptable..
  • Laslow (15/11/2024, 08:58) Like (14) Dislike (0) Reply
    Cameras everywhere except inside the police station, seems that's where the real crimes are committed. That young child didn't have a father? Such a shame.
  • The Usurper (15/11/2024, 11:09) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
    These pathetic waste men don't have the mental ability to speak and charm a mature woman.
  • AM PLEADING TO TH JUDGE (15/11/2024, 11:34) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    FOR HIS BALLS , MY PITBULLS IS WAITING ON THEM
  • Real Talk (15/11/2024, 12:07) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    YEA TEN YEARS WAITING FOR JUSTICE FOR THIS LITTLE CHILD AND THEM HERE PRAISING THE RETIRED CHIEF JUSTICE GIVE ME A fing break church out
  • Ridiculous (15/11/2024, 15:19) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    Just imagine that the very people who took the oath to be vigilant and protect the citizens of this country are the perpetrators of crimes. This is just another episode of a criminal all dressed up in HM uniform and violating the laws of the land. It would be interesting to know what else he was involved in as a police officer. This even validates the reasons why people don’t trust the police. Going forward, background checks MUST be done before people are appointed in the system. Yes! It is time for due diligence to be carried out in every single department.
  • Eagle (15/11/2024, 15:30) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply

    Cases like these should be a priority to get them a££*s of the streets.

  • Speaking the FACTS (15/11/2024, 16:56) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply

    ********* was also involved in trying to recruit high school girls to come to VG for the pleasure of rich men from abroad. The hard evidence was reported to authority and NOTHING was done. This is not ALLEGEDLY. This is a FACT. 

  • round rock (16/11/2024, 10:52) Like (2) Dislike (5) Reply
    I knew this young man from his childhood until now. Having grown up on the island of Virgin Gorda with his parents in a strict environment. He was encouraged to focus on a bright future. he attended Bregado Flax primary and secondary schools. Having joined the Royal Virgin Police Force where he looked forward to a bright future as a local policeman. Unfortunately, he encountered a difficult experience.

    Since that time, his behavior has changed. He has become a changed individual. He has been assisting to take care of his sick mother who has been bedridden for many years. He also has a few young children with his reputed wife that he assists with. We should not be judgmental in our remarks. Furthermore, as Jesus said he is without fault cast the first stone. We all have fallen short and commit an act that is punishable. If one finger is cut off for every time we commit an offence, many of us will have no finger,
    • ..... (18/11/2024, 09:51) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      I wonder if it was your child, would you have been so quick to say this BS?
  • He got bail (16/11/2024, 11:37) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    Free Nyma man on bail for murder and can't give she bail
  • Terror (16/11/2024, 12:49) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Harris always been a pervert and everybody from VG knows this. I am not surprised by what he did at all, I just want to know how many more young girls he did this to.
  • @round rock (16/11/2024, 19:30) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Please stop it!!!! The reason why these nasty perverts have been able to destroy our little children is because of their last names and people like YOU. Judgemental you say? Hard core facts, round rock. Just a matter of time. It will surface.


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