Stiffer Penalties for Alleged Judicial Interference

Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Adlai Smith Highlights Severity of Alleged Judicial Interference

Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Adlai Smith has highlighted the severity of alleged judicial interference following the recent charges laid against attorney-at-law Vaughan Henderson and an unnamed police officer of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force.

Charges Against Officer and Attorney-at-Law

According to the DPP, the police officer, who is currently before the High Court on a charge of indecent assault, allegedly attempted to interfere with a case involving a vulnerable victim—a 12-year-old girl who reported an indecent assault incident on 28th June 2023. The officer allegedly offered the minor money in exchange for her silence.

Investigation and Charges

Smith revealed that the Commissioner of Police sought legal advice in December 2023 regarding charges against the officer. After reviewing the evidence, the DPP advised that the officer be charged, leading to formal charges being laid in January 2024. However, intelligence suggesting potential external interference prompted a separate investigation into the minor’s mother.

The investigation deepened, and on 7th February 2025, a search warrant was executed at Henderson’s law offices, resulting in charges of Attempting to Pervert the Course of Justice and Money Laundering against both Henderson and the police officer.

Condemnation of Witness Interference

Smith emphasized that the charges are merely allegations, and all accused individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty. He also indicated that further charges against the mother are expected.

Expressing grave concern, Smith said, “The justice system has a fundamental duty to protect children from exploitation and abuse, and any efforts to manipulate the legal process to obstruct justice will be met with the full force of the law.”

The DPP also condemned the practice of witness interference and the acceptance of financial compensation by mothers to avoid prosecuting perpetrators of sexual offences against their children. He described the trend as a betrayal of trust and a direct affront to the justice system.

Conclusion

The alleged judicial interference and witness interference are serious offenses that undermine the integrity of the justice system. The DPP’s efforts to bring these perpetrators to justice demonstrate the importance of protecting the rights of victims and upholding the law.

FAQs

* What is the alleged crime committed by the police officer?
– Indecent assault
* What is the alleged crime committed by Vaughan Henderson?
– Attempting to Pervert the Course of Justice and Money Laundering
* What is the motive behind the alleged crime?
– To silence the victim and obstruct justice
* What is the stance of the DPP on witness interference and financial compensation?
– The DPP condemns the practice as a betrayal of trust and a direct affront to the justice system.