Fingerprints Are Gold Standard Of Evidence - Magistrate

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Shamori Alphonso Richardson leaving Magistrate Court

(PLTM) - Shamori Alphonso Richardson of St. Thomas made his first appearance at the Magistrate's Court yesterday, August 30th 2016 to respond to a charge of robbery. The incident occurred on June 3rd 2016 at Gene Hill.

Richardson, 27, was linked to the crime after his fingerprints reportedly matched samples taken from the scene of the crime.

After being cautioned and questioned by officers, the court heard that the accused constantly denied having any knowledge of the incident.

Magistrate Tamia Richards reminded him that his fingerprints were found at the scene and termed it as the "gold standard of evidence."

“They call this the gold standard of evidence. Your fingerprints don’t go anywhere themselves because they are attached to your hands,” said Magistrate Richards.

According to Crown Counsel O’neil Simpson, Richardson and another assailant robbed a contractor at gunpoint.

According to the details of the matter, while the contractor was sitting in his vehicle on Gene Hill, he was approached by the two assailants, who then demanded money while pointing a gun at him.

The victim then began to search his pockets, took out his wallet and handed over the $9 it contained.

The court heard that the assailants demanded money the contractor intended to pay his workers with, then began searching the vehicle themselves, resulting in the victim handing over an additional $500.

It was noted that the assailant wielding the gun opened and searched the front right side of the vehicle, while the other opened and searched the rear of the vehicle. Nothing additional was found during their search and they proceeded to leave the scene.

Police were summoned to scene, where they collected a report from the victim as well as fingerprints and other samples from the crime scene.

The court heard that on the 7th July 2016, Richardson was arrested based on police suspicion. He was interviewed and informed of the matter. At this point, the accused informed officers he had no knowledge of the incident.

His fingerprints were subsequently taken with his consent.

On August 27th, Richardson was again arrested, cautioned and informed that his fingerprints matched those taken from the crime scene on June 3rd, to which he again denied having any knowledge of the incident.

In a bail application, Ms. Ruthila Maximea, who represented the accused, stated that he was only granted 4 days stay in the Territory, which was intended to visit his four months old baby and girlfriend. She requested that the court grant bail to the accused for him to return to St. Thomas and added that he had promised to visit the Territory every day to check in.

This application was quickly rebutted by the Crown, who reminded the court that the other assailant involved in the matter, as well as the gun are yet to be identified or apprehended. Crown Counsel Simpson further stated that a release of the accused provides an avenue where others might be similarly affected.

He also highlighted that the fact that Richardson is a resident of the United States Virgin Islands and there is no surety he will return for the matter.

Bail was denied by Magistrate Richards, who stated that the court has no jurisdiction in St. Thomas.

Richardson was remanded to Her Majesty’s Prison. His next appearance is set for October 6th 2016.

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