Davis says it could take a decade for 178 suspects on bail for murder to stand trial
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After Commissioner of Police Clayton Fernander revealed that more than 170 people were on bail for murder, Prime Minister Philip Davis expressed shock, estimating that it could take ten years to get them through the court system.
A triple murder in Fox Hill on Monday has loudened cries for the government to revoke bail for suspects involved in murder cases. The gunmen were reportedly looking for a man who was on bail but instead shot three other men on the scene. Their target escaped and is now in police custody.
Fernander has categorized this latest murder as a retaliatory killing, then revealed that 178 young men are on bail for murder, expressing fear that the murder count, which stands at 102, could surge as a result.
“If we don’t address that, to get some of those individuals behind bars for their safety, some other people will die. We don’t want any innocent people to get caught up in that.”
Davis in response said, “That’s an overwhelming statistic – over 170 persons out of bail for murder.
“And that’s only what is already in the system. Every so often, more are added to that number. The system can only accommodate so many. These trials are taking more than two and three months. So, we have 170 trials that are outstanding. What does that mean? That’s almost ten years to clean it up.”
Leader of the Free National Movement Michael Pintard called on the government to take immediate action.
“The government appears lost, unable to act alone or work with community partners to stop the violence that’s devastating our communities. Their lack of coordination or urgency to address these tragedies is only fueling fear and anxiety about what may happen tomorrow.
“This is not the time for paralysis. Now is the time for action.”
Pintard suggested that the government speed up trials because “it takes too long to go to trial in serious cases, especially for murder”; and restore public trust in a system that many perceive does not work for victims.
Davis said the government has brought on more judges for faster trials to take place but believes the public won’t see the effect of changes, immediately.
