High court Judge Errol Thomas has labeled the actions of Renneth “Bubbles” Alexis against Joan Etienne as “high handed” after he placed an unlicensed firearm on her head on a public road at Savanne Paille.
He now has to pay over $35,000 in damages to Etienne.
The incident took place in December 2009 when Etienne, along with others, went to the area to view some villas.
She claimed that Alexis wrongfully assaulted her by placing a nozzle of a gun to the left side of her head.
In reviewing the matter, Justice Thomas stated that the onus is on the Claimant to prove her case and she must do so on a balance of probability.
“Based on all of the evidence before this court, on a balance of probability is it more likely than not that the allege assault occurred,” he said. “Learned counsel for the defendant has pointed to a number of propositions in an effort to show that the claimant has not made out her case. The first of these is glaring absence of reasonable behavior by the claimant and every one of the 15-member group in the villa area.”
He continued; “The court has two difficulties with this proposition. The first is that the claimant and five of the claimant’s member group are before the court for trespass and it would be improper to try to seek to merge that matter with this one in order to make a case. The second is that the proposition seeks to place a special onus on the claimant which is unwarranted and contrary to law.”
“The other proposition advanced is that which speaks to the lack of forthrightness on the part of the claimant and her witnesses, their half truths, outright untruths, inconsistencies and implausible accounts must lead the court to the inexorable conclusion that the claimant has not been able to show on a balance of probabilities that the defendant assaulted her as alleged or at all. This leads the court into the merits of the case.”
According to Justice Thomas, the fact that the defendant’s gun was unloaded is of “no merit as this only became known after the fact.”
“There is no way the claimant could have known this at the material time. The matter of defense of property also cannot arise since the evidence is that the alleged assault took place on the public road. With that said, the court accepts as fact that the incident took place on the public road at Savanne Paille,” he said.
“Given the nature of the matter and the gravity of the assault, the claimant is without a doubt entitled to damages. The question is one of quantum.”
He said based on an analysis the award is $30,000 in damages, plus $5,000 in aggravated damages.
“In this case the court is of the view that the actions of the defendant to the claimant were high handed given the fact that she was on the public road at the material time,” Thomas said. “And it is one thing to say get off my property but it is another thing to place an unlicensed gun to the head of an unarmed individual.”
Singoalla Blomqvist Williams represented Joan Etienne the claimant while Heather Felix-Evans represented Alexis.
What were they doing there at the first place? Dominicans need to stop getting jealous of the prosperity of their fellowmen, and instead go out there and work hard to achieve their own.
They should make him pay the fine plus jail him, the person was on public street and she did not threaten you,she had no weapon, how can you threaten her with a gun.SMDH
I guess the court system worked flawlessly and impartially for this matter. A UWP operative won, so all is well with the world, but once a so-labelled Labourite wins anything there is something foul involved….AMAZING!!!
“Bubbles” turn ISIS man?
Two wrongs do not make a right. Citizens cannot be allowed to threaten each other with guns. If such were the case, it would quickly escalate into a culture of fatal violence and vendetta such as you see happening in the USA. Bubbles should have called the police and have the offenders charged with trespassing. Hopefully the trespassing case will result is a similar fine, thus establishing that neither action is condoned by the law, and not allowing either person to profit from these sad circumstances.
Bubbles needs to install some security cameras. A picture speaks a thousand words. I doubt very much that the gun was pointed a few inches away from the woman’s temple as the article implies.
I wonder if any of the police SSU would be charged for making gestures on the public roads with their rifles when directing men women and children alike to move back or away from an area, not intending to shoot, but using to enforce a point of no trespass.
I always say that if i encountered a robber or a thief on my property I will ensure I shoot him and drag his lifeless carcus back onto my property. Problems want to come out from wherever the hell they are and show up at your doorstep while u just their minding your own business.
Never any justice for the victim.
DNO doesnt let my comments go thru but apprantly yours is fine.
Anyways sir the article stated that she was on a public road. Secondly, police do not point at anything they dont intend to shoot at. But you are right….the gun wasn’t inches from her they were on the other side of the road. I hope is someone is pointing a gun at your mother from across the road it will be ok. since its far away right?
nice logic
Not very cranial Jayson skirting the edges of ignorance, emotion & a degree of Ass……………………….
As Young Bull said in his calypso BC.
I doubt very much that the gun was pointed a few inches away from the woman’s temple as the article implies. Are Nuts, Abnormal , insane or just Plane ASS…………………………..?
Then comes the last part which confirms ur ASS…………………………………………
Jayson is a nutcase
You all need to stop being bias because of bubbles political association. If a mob of people came trespassing on you property, especially a place where you have tenants, what would you all do. Dominicans need to star respecting people’s property. Male or Female will get the same treatment if the trespass mine. Some female out there are way more dangerous than men. I am not a fan of the current government but a man has the responsibility to to protect his family and his property. YOU TRESSPASS MINE I WILL PAY THE FINE.
Regardless of bubbles affiliation with the current DLP administration, he worked and continue to work hard for what he owns and his property should be respected by all. He have every right to protected his investment. I think the judge in this case is sending a wrong message to people out there.
if it was someone else you guys would be singing a different song. smdh
DNO. you did not print the first jugement, but that one suit you. we know where you are.
ADMIN: https://dominicanewsonline.com/news/homepage/news/crime-court-law/court-rules-in-favor-of-blaircourt-property-development/
Probably this is what you talking about and if it is, it appears you don’t read.
The trespassing onto the man’s property, a deliberate act of provocation, was the reason for his action. These guys went all the way to Savanne Paille to aggravate the man. I had never heard of “Bubbles” until the villas became an issue. The critics out there should trade places with him to see how they would react.
so you guys really believed that bubbles put the gun to the woman’s head?…. well at least she is 3500 richer, i hope that don’t start a tresspassing precedent…..
Should there be an audit done to be able to place a penalty system placed on judges and magistrates who encourage criminal behavior & rewards for those who cause a reduction in criminal behavior?
I distinctively recall when “You follow” Emanuel was a magistrate, within a period of months criminal behavior was down to an all time low because of his swift and unbiased dispensation of justice.
Did he get a reward? No wasnt he penalized and removed from the magistral system?
“Spare the rod you spoil the child”
Renneth Alexis AKA (Bubbles) needs a whole lot of prayers. Pray for him Dominicans to lighten his burdens of the villas and telling lies on crabs. What you think?
According to published reports these villas belong to a Company called Blaircourt which was incorporated by a man whose name was involved in matters that every Dominican knows. The company changed hands, but Bubbles did not buy it. So the ownership of the villas is still unclear or if clear, then it belongs to a company. So how can Bubbles be protecting “his” villas with an empty gun? Dominicans are amazing. Let’s see how the Kairi next level program will handle this.
Bubbles you have to be a good and close friend of jesus to get away with what you did! By the way, when I say a friend of jesus bear in mind there are many jesus. We have Jesus Christ, we have one that was made jesus by friends of political party and we also have those that think praying to Jesus take too much time and therefore we should just come to them. We also have some Spanish people whose name is spelt Jesus. In fact we have many named Jesus in the bible. I wonder which jesus you are a friend of that helped out with just $35K for what you did? You really have to be a close friend or associate of that jesus.
Jesus the crab/s found in P/mouth in the Cabrits swamps & elsewhere as Peepip.
That should read ask Peepip the Pal ReP 4 Cottage etc.
he know much about swamps, Cabrits, Guyana, latin Ross ‘s Morgue and other still untold.
The face of the person in picture is that of the Bubbles I once knew; however the action of the person has me to wonder if is the same bubbles I knew 15 -18 years ago. The Bubbles I knew was a God fearing person that would never put a gun in somebody’s face. So it has to be another Bobbles or only if he backslide, which I don’t believe he would do. But if is the same Bubbles I know, what would cause him to get so out of control? Maybe he had something defending man? Maybe he is involved in some gang and would do all he could to defend their interest man? If is the same Bubbles that I know – the same one that would always witness to me about turning my life to Christ I would like to live this scripture with him and I hope it will be of help to him.
1 Cor. 15:33 – 34 Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character. 34Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning; for there are some who are ignorant of God—I say this to your shame NIV
Why don’t you go find out?
No one is perfect. Some people could cause others to be angry. This could make them retaliate in a manner they never would have done under normal circumstances..
It is for this reason why there is a Court to weigh out the circumstances after hearing both sides and decide as to which party is right or wrong.
Their trespassing and quizzing him caused his temper to blow up to that point. It could happen to anyone, even the best of religious people including you. Therefore, do not be hypocritical.
The mistake he made was to point the gun at her. It is a crime in any country which I need not elaborate on. Unfortunately he has to pay the fine.
This is also a lesson to those claimants. DO NOT TRESPASS on people’s property. They knew why they went there which intimidated him to take such a stand. It was provocation. May everyone comprehend that.
Our Lord Jesus Christ said, “Be perfect and merciful as your Heavenly Father is.” Check it out in Holy Scripture.
Bubbles is a very nice hard working fella, athie and em was wrong to go to the man property, leave the man alone, he has not done you all anything, those villas are just political rumors, too much jealousy in Dominica, stop grudging people for what they have WORK FOR YOUR OWN. Bubbles lawyer should appeal the case, the man was threatened so he used his gun with no bullets.
Are you for real?
2007 our 12year old bursary student son had a loaded gun pointed at him when we caught some persons shooting and stealing his pigs…the person admitted this on the scene to several police officers, was charged 4 counts ( firearm without a liscence, threatening a minior, theft and shooting cruelty to animals) but never arrested, 6 months later magistrate was shocked to find charges were never read
Our son was made a victim repeatedly by having to go to court 3 times/year from 2008 to 2013 only to have the magistrate rough us up, repeatedly apologize to the defendants and find every excuse to postpone starting the case…my son eventually told me “Dad you were wrong! Crime does pay”
God doesnt sleep, we had to migrate, get psychological help for his post traumatic stress disorder and now He is doing great at university in a civilized society.
Wow! Bubles luck boy. They ONLY charged him $35K for pointing a gun on an unarmed female, on public road? Boy I can understand why there is so much gun related incident in Dominica of late. Bubbles you are very, very, very lucky boy! . Anyways, don’t take this kind gesture as a reason to go point gone on people again because remember their is a devil, and next time he might just tempt you to pull the trigger when that gun is loaded.
I guess Bubbles will have to start selling some more “Crab Backs” to pay this one off. He may even have to catch and sell them when they’re out of season. Just be careful at customs. How could I forget. His party is in power.
Ismael he will not need to cause Clayton et al owes him $35k!!!!! And what his party in power has to do with anything?? Stop being foolish ismael the world is reading your comment!!!!!!!
Joe I thought that we are living in a Dominican society that is governed by the rule of law. Let’s just say for argument sake that Bubbles felt threatened by the plaintiff in this case. Does he have a right to point an unlicensed gun at someone?
The answer is no. He should have notified law enforcement personnel and make a report like everyone else. Your blind support for Bubbles speaks to the lawlessness that has been allowed to flourish at home.
If you believe that Bubbles was correct with his actions, I hope you will extend the same courtesy when others do the same. Consequently, you are establishing the “Old West” in tiny Dominica with your logical argument.
It may also help to explain why murders continue to escape the long arm of the law.
Wow! I’ve known Bubbles to be a very nice, quiet and humble person and I do feel badly that an incident of that nature occurred…Bubbles you have moved away from yourself, integrity and the Godliness that govern your christian principles by your association ..It’s time to turn around Bubbles and do not let these people pawn you in their game.
You are good person, based on my dealings and interactions with you..One bad decision does not change my love, admiration and respect for you..May God guide you back to his fold..
Know that some people could bring out the worst in others. Put yourself in his situation. Consider walking in Roseau of all and someone came up to you and made an unbecoming remark and tantalized you? What would your reaction be? Would you be a saint, smile and say to the person, continue? As one who would be offended by this person’s actions, I visualize what could ensue and the outcome of it.
Finally justice is being served,he should face some jail time also
Grell,, I agree with you its about time we start seeing some justice. There are lots more criminals that need to be jailed or fined.
Now that I read the full story, he does not deserve jail time. On that Sunday, the man was in his house sleeping/resting and some people trespassed his property. He was actually disturbed from his peace. In other words, they disturbed his peace.
If it were you, what would you have done? I bet you would not have taken it lightly. Therefore be sure your brain and fingers are in gear before putting them into action.
Furthermore if you think so, those who trespassed his property should face some jail time.
Facts, you are always talking nonsense! Nobody in Dominica has the right to point and hold a loaded gun to the head of anybody, especially if their life is not threatened. Simply trespassing on someone prosperity is not reason enough to terrorize the one trespassing with a gun.
Besides although the trespassing laws of our country are not commonly used they are on the books dating back to the colonial days, all he could have done is call the police, who could have arrested the trespassers. Rather than doing that he chose to hold an loaded un-licensed gun to the head of someone; possessing an unregistered is enough to have him incarcerated, for the crime of holding the gun to the persons head alone, he should have gotten twenty-years in jail!
I also hope his gun license was revoked, or will be.
Or the police need to bring charges for possession of an unlicensed firearm? “And it is one thing to say get off my property but it is another thing to place an unlicensed gun to the head of an unarmed individual.” – Justice Thomas
If they did not go out of their way to trespass onto his property and wanted answers to their questions, this would not have happened. The Court must also take this into consideration. He did not invite them. They had an ulterior motive to find themselves on his property. When are people as you going to comprehend that?
How many years did that case take?
DNO can you please publish the law and related penalty for:
1. Possession of an unlicensed fire arm.
2. Threatening someone with a firearm
3. Brandishing a firearm in public
as I believe recollection of stiff er penalties being passed in parliament a few years ago.
thank you
There are ways of looking at it. He did not just opt out and brandished the gun at them. Re-read the information. The rest of it is on DNO archives.
Is it crab-hunting season yet in Dominica or are the crabs still molting? The officials responsible for the protection of crabs (and crab backs too) should be on the look out . Our crab population may be at high risk. The television series “Deadliest Catch” often referred to crab fisheries as a deadly, dangerous and sinister enterprise. The crab crew themselves were often working for some behind-the-scenes master. But there was big money involved! Crab fisheries may be lucrative yet for some crab fishermen – that is if the recent spate of theft we are hearing so much about does not extent to stealing crab pots.
“He said based on an analysis the award is $30,000 in damages, plus $5,000 in aggravated damages.”
Thirty-five thousand dollars may seems a lot of money to some people, but to me that is a slap on the risk. That man Bubbles should be sent to jail in addition to paying the fine. The victim at this point should sue for punitive damages, for the trauma they suffered at his hands.
Etienne should sue that guy for punitive damages, which is damages awarded in excess of normal compensation to the plaintiff to punish the defendant for the serious wrong he perpetrated on the victim. There are too many people in Dominica who violate the rights of people and gets away with their criminal behavior, simply because they bow low and kiss the butt of some politicians. The punitive should be massive, and if he cannot pay, the plaintiff should levy on all he’s has!
Then the real owner/s of the Villas will show up lol!
easy way to have the owner come forward or send another crab catcher you saying? LMAO we should all LOAO.
The worst thing to do is to buy things, or record things such as houses in other peoples name!
Assuming the plaintiff sued for punitive damages, and the punitive damages exceed the value of the apartments, the plaintiffs could levy and walk away with the villas. Hence the real owner would be left out in the cold, powerless to say these are mine. Because by so doing they would have perjured themselves which is a felony, that constitute jail time oui!
Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahah!
It is easier for a Carmel to enter the eye of a needle, than for you and the other rich man to enter the kingdom of God.
Are you suggesting bubbles is rich!
If that’s your suggestion, perhaps you had drop what you are doing and commence selling crab in Dominica for the rest of your natural life and see how fast you will earn your millions to become financially bankrupt, and eventually recover in a few days, become wealthy again from the sale of Dominica crab, and build your apartment velars from the sale of Crab.
Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahah!
It is easier for a Carmel to enter the eye of a needle, than for bubbles going to jail .
I did not even finish Kindergarten So I am not lawyer Police let alone a judge but this is …………………………………………..CRAZY applied logic.
So your honor it’s okay to try such acts on the street loaded or unloaded is fine
Will someone other than the judge tickle us?“There is no way the claimant could have known this at the material time. The matter of defense of property also cannot arise since the evidence is that the alleged assault took place on the public road. With that said, the court accepts as fact that the incident took place on the public road at Savanne Paille,” he said.
“Given the nature of the matter and the gravity of the assault, the claimant is without a doubt entitled to damages. The question is one of quantum.”
Furthermore I think his gun license should be revoked and his firearm, unlicensed at the time of the incident, confiscated as the verdict demonstrates the defendant is not a person fit to own or operate a firearm.
Hmm
I wonder what the comments would be by those who like to say the justice system is biased/unfair/tainted/political, etc.
Let me guess: justice has prevailed…..Errol Thomas is a good judge….
Where is the 10 years jail time? Makack!
If so why has he reached such a JA conclusion? This is pathetic and does not meet the Privy Cousel’s standard had it been there.
Amazing the Courts are only fair and working when the opposition wins a case; otherwise the Courts does not work. See how bias some of us are!
I recall a few years ago, a thief was terrifying people in a neighbourhood by entering homes. In that neighbour there were many robberies. One day the thief entered a man home. He was home and the neighbours were tired of all the robberies.
The house entered was the home of a black man in a predominately white neighbourhood. The man took a kitchen knife and stabbed the robber, a white man. Of course, imagine a black man stabbing a white man, many people were out rage. The man was arrested for protecting his life and property.
Then the unthinkable happened. All his neighbours rallied around him and all were ready to also be arrested because they said they too would have done the same thing if they had catch the robber.
The charges were dropped because the man was protecting himself and his property.
This makes idiotic look sensible ur honor!
Taking into account the previous actions levied at Clayton McKenzie et Al for trespassing.
No wonder the public at large thinks so negatively of our legal system.
Now having replaced the Privy counsel with the CJC and having such injustice dished out prior to the local court replacing the Privy counsel gives an idea as to what’s in store.
$35K for holding a gun unlicensed at that is a clear indicator of travesty of justice. This is a criminal act & intent. Sentence ought to have been severe ur Honor. With such justice it is more than obvious justice under the CJC will be outlandish ,high handed and bias.
But D/cans have been pre-exposed ( with their/our leader telling us /them) No law ,no constitution can…………….we/you know the rest. I fear when citizens say that’s enough BS.
Was this matter investigated criminally?
Instead of trying to make slander and libel criminal charges, this is what the minister should ensure brings criminal charges against someone who points a firearm at the head of another person.
Bubbles should not be worried about a $35,000 judgement, he should be packing his bags to serve some prison time.
@Zandoli bubbles was already charged and convicted in this matter. The recent actions are as aresult of civil proceedings. Clayton Shillinford, Athie Martin et al now has to pay Bubbles $37K for trespassing and bubbles has to pay Joan Etienne $35K for putting a gun in her face. simple….
Bubbles won by $2K lol ! $37K-$35K= $2k
CJC would defeat The Privy Counsel over a few bottles of Scotch whisky( which one the guys prefer) Crab Callaloo ,crayfish lobster. The aye have it! Madame speaker.