By Linda Straker
ST. GEORGE’S, Grenada– The Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Christopher Nelson, Monday moved to quash a private criminal matter being filed against Grenada’s sporting icon, Anderson Peters and his brother, Kiddo, once he becomes aware that the case has been filed before the courts here.
“This means that I will immediately file for a discontinuation of the proceedings. I will bring this to an end without prosecution,” said Nelson, explaining that a private criminal proceeding is a rare approach to seeking criminal justice but is available for citizens to use.
“All it requires is filing the necessary documents with the magistrate court, and the police will be required to serve a summons for the hearing date,” said Nelson.
Last week, former attorney general Cajeton Hood, representing the Trinidadian crew members of the Barbados-owned Harbour Master vessel, announced plans to file private charges against the world-rated sportsman and his brother.
The captain and three crew members – Noel Cooper, 42, deckhand; John Alexander, 55; Mikhail John, 35, and Sheon Jack, 28- had pleaded guilty to the charges of causing harm and grievous harm last Monday to the brothers, including Anderson. The latter, earlier this month, won Gold at the World Championship in the United States and a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games in the United Kingdom.
The charges stem from a brawl on board the Harbour Master on August 10, with a video on social media showing the athlete being thrown into the sea.
The Chief Magistrate fined each crew member EC$3,500 (One EC dollar=US$0.37 cents) for causing grievous harm to be paid forthwith or, in default, jailed for one year.
On the charge of causing harm with violence, they were each fined EC$2 000 to be paid forthwith or, in default, spend six months in jail.
But Hood alleges that the brothers lied to the police regarding the incident, which occurred at the St George’s Port as the Harbour Master crew was wrapping up a party cruise and preparing to embark on another.
Hood claims his clients were violated by the brothers leading to the brawl.
Before sentencing the men, Chief Magistrate Teddy St Louis described the crew’s action as “excessive use of the force” on the brothers that cannot be justified, although a request was made for them to leave the vessel.
Hood said he would also seek to have perjury charges against the brothers. However, the DPP argues that the brothers did not give a sworn statement or provide statements under oath.
“This is the foundation for filing a perjury matter,” he said.
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