Pompey says UPP 16 weren’t found ‘Not Guilty’ in beach access case

Former Police Commissioner Pompey Criticises Court Reporting, Clarifies Legal Outcome

Former police commissioner Rawlston Pompey has sharply criticised what he described as inaccurate reporting of a recent court matter, arguing that the outcome has been misrepresented as a finding of “not guilty.”

In a strongly worded statement, Pompey rejected the characterization of the case, calling it a “kangaroo news story” and questioning the reporting surrounding the proceedings.

“The court never declared anyone ‘not guilty,’” Pompey said, insisting that the defendants were instead “discharged from the court’s jurisdiction.”

He supported the legal position outlined by attorney Charlesworth Tabor, stating that there was no criminal trial conducted.

According to Pompey, the prosecution did not present evidence in chief, and there was no opportunity for cross-examination or re-examination of witnesses. He further argued that the absence of these key procedural steps meant the matter could not properly be considered a concluded trial.

Pompey outlined what he described as a series of prosecutorial failures, including the lack of witness summonses to compel attendance. He said this left the prosecution unable to seek bench warrants when witnesses failed to appear.

He added that the complaint, which he said was filed in the name of Police Commissioner Atlee Rodney, was ultimately dismissed by the court.

The former commissioner suggested the court appeared dissatisfied with the handling of the case, describing the prosecution as being in a “time-wasting mode.”

Pompey also praised Magistrate Andrew M. Mighty for the decision, saying it exposed “prosecutorial weaknesses, mediocrity and inefficiency.”

The comments come amid public discussion over the interpretation of the court’s ruling and the conduct of the case.

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