Shock and dismay at not-guilty verdict

court2State attorney in the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Clement Joseph, has expressed “shock and dismay” at a verdict of not-guilty returned by a nine-member female jury in a case involving Okim Lestrade.

Lestrade, who defended himself in the matter, was charged with inflicting grievous bodily harm in March 2010 to Samantha Wright, his former girlfriend.

The incident occurred in Loubriere.

In her testimony, Wright told the court that she was in a relationship with Lestrade and they bore a daughter in 2004. However the relationship ended in 2010.

She also explained that she had obtained a court order restraining him from interfering with her since he was “abusive.”

“He had beaten me just a few days before that incident and I was hospitalized after he battered me and I had to run away from the hospital after he came after me there,” she told the court.

According to Wright, on March 13, 2010 at about 3 am, she received a call from Lestrade saying he was in an accident and needed hydrogen peroxide. She told him she did not have any and that he should go to the hospital to seek medical attention.

She told the court that shortly afterwards, she heard a knock on her door and when she opened it she saw a friend of Lestrade who goes by the name of “Tinko.”

After a brief conversation with her, he left and went towards a nearby bridge where Lestrade was.

Minutes later, she said, Letrade called her again and she advised him to leave since she had a restraining order against  him. However, he insisted that she open the door or he would break the glass to enter the house.

Lestrade subsequently climbed over Wright’s porch and broke the glass on a window.

On hearing the glass being broken, Wright said, she climbed through a window and jumped seven feet down below, breaking her leg in the process.

Out of fear she dove into the nearby sea and swam to the home of a man, who after hearing the situation, called the police and Wright’s sister.

Wright was taken to the Princess Margaret Hospital where an x-ray revealed that her left leg was actually broken.

Lestrade admitted to being in the area but denied being responsible for his ex lover’s injury.

The jury returned a 7-2 verdict of not-guilty.

Joseph who prosecuted on behalf of the state said “the weight of the evidence was overwhelming and the verdict was shocking.”

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164 Comments

  1. lexia
    March 20, 2013

    just so u knw evil was done to confuse the jury , i jus hpe dey hppy afta dt cz dey wrkin evil on allu so der lfe wnt be tie up

  2. Pas Las
    March 4, 2013

    Monkey really knows what tree to climb. Men know which women they can put their hands on.

  3. upscale
    March 4, 2013

    restraining order was there, they did not charge him for violating his restraining order….instead, the court charge him for inflicting grievous bodily harm…now if he didn’t throw her out the window..or literally break her leg…once he made no physical contact with the young lady he cannot be charged… she inflicted that on her self..not saying she was wrong for doing it..cuz she was in fear for her life..but our donkey court system send d wrong charge…they should have charge him for violation of his restraining order….THENN!! he would have sucked Salt!

  4. Dready
    March 3, 2013

    Come on man this prosecutor is clearly not up to the job they should send him back to the police force to direct traffic

    • marla
      March 5, 2013

      What an idiotic thing to say. :?:

  5. me
    March 3, 2013

    The jurors that let this man go free will find tnemselves in the same mess and they’ll how it fells to be battered. Every dog has its day God don’t like ugly. Maybe some of them knew the guy that why he got away so easily.

  6. March 3, 2013

    Please do not post the one above, too many errors:

    Feel free topost this one.

    I always knew that something is wrong with the mind of the majority of Dominicans, and the judicial system; this case has every mark of an appeal.

    The fact that this man violated a court restraining order, and broke into the victims house, and violated her that bastard should be in jail, perhaps the nine woman jury was influenced, perhaps someone got paid to derail justice, therefore the alternative is to appeal the verdict, it would be interesting to know if he judge gave the nine dumb women any legal direction as to how they should deliberate on the matter;in order to find criminal woman beater Lestrad guilty!

    Something is wrong, perhaps when one of the dumb women gets her head bashed in, and killed by some woman beater, they might come to their sentence and regret they did not convict the criminal.

    I am not surprise anyway; when one find members of the judiciary and their relatives are in the habit of breaking the law, and simply walk away from any form of punishment, the criminals construed that to mean they are special, and might living above the law, thus they get bold, and behave the same as those who work in law enforcement.

    For example, a judge or magistrate issued a warrant for one who practice law in Dominica arrest; the man and his defending attorney simply ignored the warrant, and the case become dormant, case close!

    I suppose lawyers operating in Dominica are above the law of the land, immune from punishment for the crimes they commits in the country.

    Only in Dominica!

    So what that means is that there is a breakdown in law and order in the country, the attitude now is that if members of the judiciary can violate the law, placing themselves above law, I suppose what’s good for the goose is also good for the gander.

    It seems to me entropy, and chaos now exists in the country!

    It is also sad, to read some of the stupid comments by some people, when someone ask a stupid questions like this “did he touch her” that alone is an indication that some people simply lack commonsense. The victim has an restraining order rendered by a court against the criminal.

    That means while the order is in effect, he should not go anywhere close to that victim, sometimes the order is specific as to how many feet or miles in distance the perpetrator should be from his/her victim.

    The fact that he broke into her house, means he violated the court order, and should be arrested the very day he trespass in her yard, wether he touch the house, or simply stand on the sidewalk next to her house that would have been enough for the police to arrest him, take him back to the magistrate who issued the court order, whom should have sent him to jail!

    After he is released from Jail, he should be tried for breaking into the woman house, hence violating her; the dumb nine should have found him guilty, thus he would have gone to jail to serve as a girlfriend to some of the homosexuals in there.

    He should be charged for trespassing, breaking, and entry, and assault with intent, (perhaps even to kill), so for someone to ask the question ” did he touch her”, tells me that it is either some of our people exists in a universe of their own, or we simply like to walk around with our stupidity as our badge of honor on our forehead as the late prime minister Pierre Charles noted while he was yet alive.

    Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque

  7. Zero
    March 2, 2013

    That is a one sided story. We are only hearing what Wright say or do. For the man to convince the jury (women again) he had to be not guilty. DNO let’s hear the man story. We quick to judge without all the facts.

  8. ma
    March 2, 2013

    Shocking outcome, is that for real,Mr Joseph hold your head high god is in control donot get discouraged.

  9. hmmmmmm
    March 2, 2013

    :-|

  10. blablabla
    March 2, 2013

    I Agree!

  11. nature girl
    March 2, 2013

    I know I might get a lot of blows and bad comments. West Indian men in general have no regard for women! The woman is considered a second class citizen among men! How do I know this! I am a woman who has built a house here with a husband. My husband wanted the house built the way that I wanted it so did he. My husband asked me to deal with the builders I did this first hand and every time the man in charge of construction would ask to talk to my husband and then ask him if what I had already told them to do was correct!! This happened time and time again how disrespectful! I feel an injustice was done here in a big way! The woman on the jury must have been afraid!! As a woman I find it incomprehensible that there is such inequality. While this exists women and children will be open to abuse by men!

  12. Dready
    March 2, 2013

    It is not true that the man defended himself. He had a lawyer in court

  13. Justice and Truth
    March 2, 2013

    She was peacefully at her home. He and that Tinko should never have come to her. Tinko, you are a foolish man to get involved in this. She should bring a case against you.
    This man had no right being on her premises after there was a restraining order on him. Fearing for her life, she fled from him and injured herself.
    Was he not charged for ignoring the restraining order and being on her premises?
    Prosecutor and/or DPP, you allowed this man to go scot free? You do not deseAre you prejudiced against women?
    The day will come when you people will have to answer to God for your stupidity and lack of consideration, putting it mildly.rve your position. You should be fired.
    A woman who murdered her two children, was out on bail and was allowed to sneak out of Dominica and return to Canada. I will state this until something is done, be it in Canada about this. Now, you are bringing a not-guilty verdict against a man who beat up on a woman and who came to her house when there was a restraining order on him? So what kind of kangaroo court exists in Dominica? You are jokers. You do not take your position seriously. The International Court should intervene.

    • Anonymous
      March 3, 2013

      fool the verdict was returned by the jury not the DPP

      • Justice and Truth
        March 5, 2013

        You fool, too, :twisted: the jurors are also fools. Were they advised to decide on a not-guilty verdict? This case should be appealed.

    • Justice and Truth
      March 5, 2013

      :oops: You do not deserve your position.
      For one in your position. You should be fired.

  14. natural dominican
    March 1, 2013

    a woman had to jump 7ft in fear of a man, whom she got a court order in order to keep him from abusing her and some of you think it is her fault…smfh

  15. March 1, 2013

    Hi my people. Many of you all are upset with the jury verdict which is understandable but we must remember that we are a democracy. I don’t agree with the jury verdict but I respect it. A trial by Jury or Judge is like a show which depends on who can best convince the Jury or Judge to see things their way. We do not know what evidence the defendant used to contradict the victims statements which led to this verdict. I hope the prosecutors office review their method of prosecution and presentation of this case and they can improve on their procedures .

  16. wicked shall suffer
    March 1, 2013

    at da queen. u sorte

    a man beat u a first u end up hospital he come hospital to attack u. u let urself out within that time of healing he coming and ask for hydrogen peroxide at ur home not even his own see another story on inside dominica…. u going to open the Door…u in an accident not hospital u have to go. d man still knoe police was looking for him from d first attack he know he have restraining order he still say he can’t be bothered u will open ur door…. he obviously wanted to see if she was at her house to finish his crime ur bigg donkey @ da queen….

  17. March 1, 2013

    hmmmmmmmmm.

  18. thiny
    March 1, 2013

    @ el chamo

    no thank you i will continue to post these comments till dno block me so give up….i will continue to educate the simple minded on here

    you are not the first person who have said that to me and you wont be the last..so please give up

  19. March 1, 2013

    that was all her fault.. if she had just pass okim´s stuff to tinko that would have never happened…and the man never chased you, and you finding yourself jumping a window.. well my girl your not easy..justice was served. im a woman but some women like the hard way

    • Former Cop
      March 2, 2013

      It,s ashamed that the verdic wasn,t in favor of the victim.you, Da Queen don,t understand how the Law works. The defendant in my view is responsible for her injuries she sustained as a result of Lestrade pursuiting the victim.Keep in mind that she had a restraining order against him.That is key. He should have never been close to her home ,furthermore to break the glass and get in . That,s one more charge of Burglary.He should have been CONVICTED. I supprt the DPP, Mr. Joseph.

      • upscale
        March 4, 2013

        @Former Cop…..no matter the restraining order was dere, they did not charge him for violating his restraining order….instead the court charge him for inflicting grievous bodily harm…if the woman stay on her own and jump n break her leg then he obviously isn’t guilty.. that’s not rocket science..

      • upscale
        March 4, 2013

        And breaking a glass to enter is not burglary.. its breaking and entering he didn’t steal anything..your no former cop.. i think your more of a Wanna be cop..jeeez

  20. March 1, 2013

    that was all the her fault.. if she had just pass okim´s stuff to tinko that would have never happened…and the man never chased you, and you finding yourself jumping a window.. well my girl your not easy..justice was served. im a woman but some women like the hard way

    • thiny
      March 1, 2013

      was it his stuff or was it stuff he had bought for her or the household during the relationship????

    • Justice and Truth
      March 2, 2013

      For God’s sake, people as you, there was a restraining order that he was not to contact her and bother with her. It is grounds for sentencing. This man is wicked. He should have been sent to prison. She should appeal.

  21. Realest
    March 1, 2013

    I’m certain this isn’t the 1st time that she was beaten by this man… And I certain she stayed after each beating hoping that it would get better…HOWEVER for a man that had no lawyer it was that easy to beat the legal system… Smh… I hope we understand and see where this country is going… The court only hve strength on drug related charges.. ##Stop the Madness##

  22. One Love
    March 1, 2013

    8-O did he touch her?????

  23. tiny
    March 1, 2013

    well i was punched and i was beaten with electric wires and leather belts and guava branches and hibiscus branches and the other branch used for hedges that is very flexible…it don’t break easily….

    it this is not torture the i don’t know what is torture….and this is how all Dominicans beat their kids…..the person who does that to a dog will be charged with animal cruelty….

    i’d rather be water boarded then to get beating from Dominican parents…and the authorities support this abuse and torture of kids

    the koran teaches it’s followers on how to beat their women so i say take your beating women…again

    • March 1, 2013

      Tiny,

      again seek help,counceling,you really need it,so do your self a favor,before its to late,

      do hope to heargood results from you in the near future,

      • thiny
        March 1, 2013

        yes i am the one who needs help when beating of woman is seen as wrong and kids can be beaten like inanimate objects…..

    • Suki
      March 2, 2013

      i’m pretty thankful for the way i turned out to be… thank you very much after much beating… which wasn’t abusive…i learnt my lesson… this a grown arse woman… she knows right from wrong…better than a child…so ur statement is invalid…

    • Creole!!
      March 2, 2013

      Wow you have some Deep unresolved issues that are hunting you, SORRY!!!!

  24. Imagine that
    March 1, 2013

    WOW! Now, that is really shocking. Smh!

  25. March 1, 2013

    :lol: well if fear making you jump a window that high.. wonder what would happen if he were running after you.. maybe you would have killed yourself… hmmm

    • Me
      March 1, 2013

      I don’t see the funny side of this at all…guess when your turn comes it will still be funny

      • March 1, 2013

        when my turn comes if its a situation similar to this one i would not have reacted like this.. when i hand the man his stuff and he went on his merry way, there is no prpblem ok

    • Look
      March 4, 2013

      Wow, you use a name that incorporates the word “queen” but your words say that you are yet to understand your true worth. No female in any situation should condone this type of behaviour. I know Okim and I am not putting anything past him. He used to be very troublesome at school. You also seem to have a personal connection with him which is where your apparent biasness is obvious. Don’t ever let friendship cloud your judgment of right and wrong. There are ways to deal with situations and I believe the young lady was genuinely afraid for her life. For you to keep commenting and pretending as if she had so many other options, it seems you are all too familiar with how to submit to being someone’s bass drum and that is definitely NOT a queenly characteristic.

  26. rabbit girl
    March 1, 2013

    Mr Prosecutor you are much too anxious to be DPP
    TOO BUSY FOR GENE TO GO.

    • Former Cop
      March 2, 2013

      That,s not the point.Keep your ignorant comments for yourself. One of these days ,someone other than Mr. Gene have to be DPP.

  27. Bro 4 Life...
    March 1, 2013

    Well i think Okim has suffered enough since this “situation” happened and Okim remember you dont need man to forgive you the Father is the one you should look to and you yourself forgive yourself and always strive to be a better person he who is without sin cast the first stone…….

  28. tiny
    March 1, 2013

    well i was punched and i was beaten with electric wires and leather belts and guava branches and hibiscus branches and the other branch used for hedges that is very flexible…it don’t break easily….

    it this is not torture the i don’t know what is torture….and this is how all Dominicans beat their kids…..the person who does that to a dog will be charged with animal cruelty….

    i’d rather be water boarded then to get beating from Dominican parents…and the authorities support this abuse and torture of kids

    the koran teaches it’s followers on how to beat their women so i say take your beating women

  29. J
    March 1, 2013

    She tried to save herself by jumping, because if he had gotten in contact with her before she jump he would have killed her, come on ppl. 9 women as jurors i guess, they hate sammy and they know okim personally

  30. WEY
    March 1, 2013

    You should be ashame of yourself Tiny, I don’t think you know what love is. Maybe you were not well behave when you were a child and maybe even all now.

  31. Anonymous
    March 1, 2013

    How unfortunate. My advice to the young lady is ‘Let go and let God’…Remember: Vengence is mine sayeth the Lord.
    You would be surprised by the power of prayer.
    God’s speed.

  32. Cza
    March 1, 2013

    Justice system is part of the reason for crimes basically ( do the crime,don’t do the time )

  33. smh
    March 1, 2013

    most of the people commenting here fail to see that it is the justice system which has failed the young lady. it is a sad situation but bases on the charge of inflicting grievous bodily harm, that’s what had to be proven and it seemed rather impossible based on the fact. the young man didn’t inflict any harm onto the young lady. even though her actions may be as a result of the circumstances surrounding the situation he did not inflict any grievous bodily harm

    • grell
      March 1, 2013

      oh shut the hell up.

    • zefantdominik
      March 6, 2013

      Again I wil say you are right. She needs to put him down like a rabid dog. When they come to remove his corpse there will surely be a different tune to sing. She jumped because she was afraid. Next time, get piece of wood, lie in wait n show dcans u were not lying is all.

  34. jespen
    March 1, 2013

    This is a case of CAUSATION and he should have been found guilty, as in fear for he life the victim had to take those rather dangerous steps to save herself from the accused.

    • LIL ME
      March 1, 2013

      Get a little insight on the laws. Lestrade should have a charge for breaking the restraining order and entering the house by climbing the young lady’s porch and breaking a glass window. The issue of grievous bodily harm is a non-sense charge in that situation. Officers need to educate themselves a little more about the laws. The verdict is accurate. The police gave a wrong charge as usual.

      • March 1, 2013

        Hi that’s true but the prosecutors office must review the charges lodged by the Police. The prosecutor should have add Burglary and Criminal Contempt because they determine what charges are submitted to the court for prosecution/ trials.

    • Krazy
      March 1, 2013

      am in agreement with u… what if she had stayed there and he actually kill her that’s when they would find him guilty?
      thats just unfair!!!! :oops:

    • March 1, 2013

      Hi. They should hold have charged him with Burglary-1st Degree , Criminal Contempt and Assault-2nd Degree The assault would have been a lesser included crime because his action caused her to flee and she was injured in the process of fleeing. In that way the prosecutor would not have to prove that he injured her rather they would just have to prove that he entered her home illegally and she has an active Order of Protection against him.

  35. STAR
    March 1, 2013

    the verdict was not wrong. the charge is wrong. the guy could be slapped with several other charges, including failing to comply with the restraining order, trespassing, breaking and entering, harassment, stalking and the list goes on. shame on the prosecution and not the jury.
    THE MAN DID NOT EVEN HAVE A LAWYER. SHAME…

    • Facys
      March 1, 2013

      i support you 100%

    • Anonymous
      March 1, 2013

      true that

    • fairness
      March 2, 2013

      Lestrade did not have a lawyer but a court attorney was helping him. If I was a juror my verdict would have been not guilty on the night in question he did not beat her. she jumped, ran and even swam to get away from him without even looking back to see if he was actually chasing her. The police officer to charge lestrade with violating his restraining order and how did she know he climb her porch if she did not actually see him. Another question they were lovers he could have had a key to the said home the incident took place.. just a thought..

  36. Annon
    March 1, 2013

    Dominica for you!

  37. JhaMahaut
    February 28, 2013

    How did Okim and Tinko become friends, when Okim shot Tinko back in 2008…… Strange

    • lame
      March 1, 2013

      apparently they kissed and made up.

    • March 1, 2013

      well they are friends now… everybody know that.. where you be u die nah..oh talk you want.. mahaut roro

  38. Interesting
    February 28, 2013

    It’s interesting that it was an all female jury and they came up with a not-guilty verdict. I guess the ladies on the Jury saw the truth. Interesting.

    • Anonymous
      March 1, 2013

      young men and women wait too late untill things get out of hand to end relationships which are not working. again some young women like the bling and fast money so they stay and take blose till something real bad happens. young men and women , there are many fishes in the sea , things cannot work end the relationship.

  39. Looking in
    February 28, 2013

    Did she see that it was him who broke the window Or he that entered her house? NO. She heard the window broke and she jumped through a window braking her leg in the process. How do you all expect a jury to find the man guilty of anything? The DPP office need to make a stronger case on behalf of the woman. In the Court of Law, evidence beyond a reasonable doubt talks and everything else walks. He may have done it, i do not know, so unless the DPP can prove the man guilty…..he walks…it’s sad but true.

  40. t max
    February 28, 2013

    The. Case finish but a criminal still at large

    • same
      March 1, 2013

      yep. the ‘all women’ jury waiting for him to actually put his hands or an object on her before they can bring him to justice.

  41. Anonymous
    February 28, 2013

    Hmmmmm so look they let go satan for more drama

  42. MIA
    February 28, 2013

    Seems the justice system is giving the man a license to go beat up other women and get away with it. If he did not climb into the porch, and then break the woman’s window, then she would have no reason to be scared to point of jumping outside and seeking rescue at somebody home. I say he should bare some responsibility.

  43. fishy
    February 28, 2013

    How does a woman take on her own, jumps 7 feet, breaks her leg and then the authorities charge someone else for inflicting grievous bodily harm? Why didn’t she call police from the first time he requested hydrogen peroxide? Does she own a pharmacy or did she like the attention? Wrong charge…not surprised

  44. givemeabreak
    February 28, 2013

    Could care less….. same okim she wanted to beat other women for so let her take what she get. Beating is for other women and not for her? You should stop a man from the first time he raises his hand on u not 6 years later

  45. jackie chang
    February 28, 2013

    well okim had a gwo pwele cause the sister is fine …but all in all it may have been a difficult one to fight

  46. lee
    February 28, 2013

    Women becareful of this guy if he did it to one he will do the same to otheres a bad habit is very difficult to break. He got away with this he might not be lucky next time. Is very sad to see how the jury failed this woman. What a shame,

    • Looking in
      February 28, 2013

      The jury did not fail the woman. The DPP did.

      • Wright
        March 1, 2013

        Thanks, u so rright

      • Lovely
        March 1, 2013

        How can it be the DPP when they brought the case forward to the jurors who had to then assist the DPP and his team by reaching the verdict? The jurors in my opinion failed the girl…

    • Anonymous
      March 1, 2013

      women should rather be careful of the decisions they make not this guy. it all comes back to their decisions and that bling bling thing . you see when these guys have theie fast blood money them young women get blind and so these guys feel that they own the ladies like something they have bought. hope you understand my point.

  47. wicked shall suffer
    February 28, 2013

    I know the two people very well and this guy is a real abuser abuse of drugs n violence she has been living a very fearful life n abuse from this guy…. am happy she survived this cuz I personally know that she did the best thing by running…. I also wistness the previous attack she mentioned above n happy she survived that to. with the restraining order I would have thought that would stop for a while but clearly his intentions was violence…. I’m sorry Samantha happy that u can move on from all this….be thankful that with the help of the court u were able to get some help in getting away from this man Jah knows what u went through

  48. woman
    February 28, 2013

    how many cases of abuse to we hear enter the courts the HIgh COURT some women should open their eyes n used that as a way to get justice she clearly continued to go over this through the court system for a period of years n this is the vertict…abuse against us woman will never be taken seriously if that is the way u treat it

  49. Hate ignorance
    February 28, 2013

    i have read alot of the postings here and i must conclude that we are not looking at the situation objectively , i think we bringing too much pity into the case .The prosecutor is to be blamed totally for that judgement, The charge was the wrong charge , he should have been charged for breaking/ ignoring the restraining order,destruction of property,attempted burglary , force entry , harassment, even attempted murder who have stand a better chance than that crappy charge of “inflicting whatever” when he did not even touch the lady . I feel sad for what happen but the prosecutor should take full responsibility for the outcome.He is attempted to use the jury as a scape goat for his slackness on this one. By the way i dont support the abuse of women in any way what so ever but the prosecutor lapsed big time on this one AGAIN. He should publicly apologize to the young lady.

    • Jim
      February 28, 2013

      Genius, the prosecutor does not charge. The police charges. I guess you were the legal advisor to the Jurors. Lol

      • Dready
        March 2, 2013

        It is the DPP that indictes NOT THE POLICE get it right

    • In Agreement
      February 28, 2013

      I agree with this assessment. The charge was incorrect. I am happy this young lady had the foresight to end this relationship. So sorry that she had to endure this.

    • KUBA
      February 28, 2013

      you can not be more correct than that,in the American court system they throw everything at you.they might give you 50 charges you might be found not guilty for 45 but 5 guilty is enough .the Dominican policemen too lazy

    • Raj
      March 1, 2013

      The Prosecutor is one of the most junior lawyers in Dominica. He just came out but he was a police officer who has not made the transformation to a lawyer. he has so much to learn even though he thinks that he knows every thing.

      He did apologise to the lady for making a mess of things. Hats off to him for that. He must learn not to run and cry to the media. Go back to the drawing board

  50. hallie berrie
    February 28, 2013

    when they sit down in the jury room, they giving them nice lunch and juice. they under aircon and they relax. so they not thinking straignt. They in for the money and the fun and is not serving their purpose

  51. Anonymous
    February 28, 2013

    That story has plenty holes in it. How you breaking your foot and you still swimming? Well my girl you are super woman papa

    • Dorival John
      February 28, 2013

      I guess u never heard of adrenaline. Google it.

    • Hello
      February 28, 2013

      Fool a US athlete broke his leg in the 4×4 relay and finished the race.

    • Stryka
      February 28, 2013

      when we see danger as human beings there is an inner strenght in us we never know it there.

    • Dready
      March 1, 2013

      Who was the silent lawyer leading the defence but saying nothing. This man was not defended but his lawyer was there leading the defence without saying a word!!!!! This is a new one

      That is all it took to beat this weak prosecutor and he still crying so what would happen if the lawyer was taking part!!!!!!

  52. February 28, 2013

    Based on what was said in the report, the man did not throw her out the window,she jumped, so he cant be blamed for her leg being broken. They should have charged him for trespassing, breaking and entering, violating a court order something to that effect, but not for causing grievous bodily harm and he would not have gotten away. If I was a jury, my verdict would be not guilty. Charge him for the crimes he committed, there was enough evidence.

  53. Waitukubul-original
    February 28, 2013

    There are many other similar cases in Dominica. The only difference is that the women remain silent as a means of covering their embarrassment.

    Many of Dominica “little boys” who look like men find pleasure in whooping women because they feel incompetent in life. They are just a bunch of cowards who when faced by real men mill around like little girls.

    Dominican women, it is time you shake off the fallacy that “unless a man doesn’t beat you, he doesn’t love you”. That is a load of none sense. Love suppose to be constructive not destructive. So stop entertaining those little boys who call themselves men and be wise when selecting a partner.

  54. Rachel
    February 28, 2013

    I have sat on the jury before and I can tell you that the cases from the prosecutor side is poor; the evidence is all messed up, the line of questioning is poor; they most time do not present a bright case; but you as the jury have to take a number of things in consideration – the mere fact that he was given a restraining order, would have some bearing on the case; something went wrong somewhere – how sad this is;

  55. Yes Fada!
    February 28, 2013

    …And i wonder if the situation had turned out different – if she’d stayed in there and work a machete in his jaw when he’d attempt an attack – then what would the jury UNANIMOUSLY decide? Women, we control our destinies; take a stance against violence and abuse, because apparently the system cannot protect us.

  56. Jbfox
    February 28, 2013

    I can’t understand that one the lady had a restraining order one the guy he should be jailed for coming by her house.Dominican men like beating women they need to stop that shit.

  57. Realistic opinion
    February 28, 2013

    Strange things are happening. Eduacted people with no sense of understanding what is happening around them. It seems that we are operating like robbots. :?:

  58. Merecedes
    February 28, 2013

    Shameful

  59. Citizen Kane
    February 28, 2013

    This is appalling for real … only reason i can attach to this is the possibility that the jury was just plain ignorant

    • Nel
      February 28, 2013

      No, the man didn’t touch the lady how they can charge him for inflicting bodily harm? how prosecutors that does throw all the cases away.

  60. Dodger
    February 28, 2013

    When evil men do things like this, it makes it hard for good guys like me to get a good woman… SMH.

    • March 1, 2013

      lets find round up a posse, find the two of them,and put some nasty blows on there A….,that will teach those two a good lesson,wha ya say? :twisted:

  61. DA/NY
    February 28, 2013

    The seven members of this jury who voted in favor of this guy should be shame of them selves they should not be on this panel because they don’t know that is to be a battered woman. What a shame the lady had an order of protection he should not be near a home at all.

  62. me1
    February 28, 2013

    was that a serious verdict or the jury was just playign around……that’s just SHOCKING

  63. lisad
    February 28, 2013

    I am a woman and feel bad that a woman must live with such fear for her life even to the point of jumping in the sea. The man should pay for something so I blame the prosecution for presenting a crappy case. Dont blame the jury. Blame the prosecution. The man even represented himself. Shame on you prosecutor.

  64. riddim up
    February 28, 2013

    amazing….

  65. "O" STRESS"
    February 28, 2013

    State Attorney shock?, what else he expected? Gabbage IN” Gabbage out”. We are the laughing stock of the Caribbean, and they know that very well. The out come of a case has no effect on their pay so why worry? Its a dam shame and I am not fooled by their Shock.

  66. WHO VEX VEX
    February 28, 2013

    we heard one side of the story

    i doe putting my hand in fire for no woman cause i know what women capable of

    But if he did it well he wrong n should be in prison

  67. PERPLEXED
    February 28, 2013

    9 women on the jury? where have all the men gone?
    A “MEN AND WOMEN” jury would certainly have a different outcome, i guess?

  68. Leo
    February 28, 2013

    Strange the Jury returned with such a verdict.
    If i am chasing someone in order to inflict injury to them and the individual falls in their effort to escape and hit their head to cause severe injury, and that person dies in the process, I will be charged with Murder / Manslaughter.
    Likely its because of him that she tried to flee and in the process broke her leg. This guy got lucky

  69. Anonymous
    February 28, 2013

    Let me understand this. He was the reason for the seven foot jump and has an abusive record and is still not responsible? She was in fear for life! If she had stabbed or shot him, it would be self defense!

  70. tiny
    February 28, 2013

    I was afraid of being beaten as a child too..and the authirities did not help me…so women take your beatings

    • In Agreement
      February 28, 2013

      Do you always have to post these crappy comments? If you cannot comment intelligently then keep your sorrow thoughts to yourself.

      • In Agreement
        February 28, 2013

        This should read “sorry” thoughts.

    • Channel 1
      February 28, 2013

      @tiny – :lol: :lol: ……..ohhhhh tiny. Were you a very troublesome child who needed regular interventions from the rod of correction?

      Tiny, you forget Dominica does not follow some of those silly laws in America when it comes to disciplining children? Unless the beating is a clear case of ill-treatment, the police ain’t going to worry with you the stubborn child.

      Spare the rod, spoil the child.

      • tiny
        March 1, 2013

        Like I said id children can get beaten so can women, the Koran teaches it’s followers on how to beat their women

      • tiny
        March 1, 2013

        All beatings in domica is abuse..I was punched, I was hit with leeatherbelts and guava branches and electric wires….this is beyond torture….you will get arrested with animal crueelty if you do that to a dog

  71. tiny
    February 28, 2013

    This is the same people who want to raise the age of sexual consent and who thinks beating kids is ok…anyways I’m happy for the verdict.. If a child can get beaten ,grown wommen should take their beatings to…a child has no where to run because those in authority support child abuse..at least a grown woman can leave most of the tiimes

    • BRAIN DAMAGE
      March 1, 2013

      Yours coming.

    • March 1, 2013

      Tiny,

      sorry about your mental and physical injuries,that has,or where done to you! your probley need, to speak to a phycologist,or some one,but i have sisters,i and my brother almost beat our sister ex-husband to death,my sister resides with my brother,for protection,
      and its not to beat a child when they do wrong,but to correct them in the right way,dont spare the rode and spoil the child,
      no reall loving father or mother will abuse or kill there children,no reall loving parent wont,

      but those two fella’s need to be teach a good lesson,by a posse a good men,to burst there A..

      thats all for now,but you do need help,counciling,find help,

      bye

    • WEY
      March 1, 2013

      You should be ashame of yourself Tiny, I don’t think you know what love is. Maybe you were not well behave when you were a child and maybe even all now.

  72. Noonecares
    February 28, 2013

    Personally, as a criminology major, I think DNO should give the full story. A lot is missing here for us to judge whether the verdict is right or wrong – what was the charge against him? Was he being charged for abuse or the breaking and entering? DNO give these information and then I can rightly put my feelings about the verdict

    • Dorival John
      February 28, 2013

      I read the story from the time it was posted and the second paragraph clearly said Lestrade, who defended himself in the matter, was CHARGED WITH INFLICTING GRIEVOUS BODILY HARM (my caps for emphasis) in March 2010 to Samantha Wright, his former girlfriend.

      I hope you paying better attention in your criminology class or your parents, or whoever, are wasting their money sending u to study criminology.

      SMH

  73. Anonymous
    February 28, 2013

    What are the going to do know if he attacks her again. I do hope not because otherwise they are accomplices. I simply do not understand the verdict – what an insensitive bunch of woman.

  74. EX TOP
    February 28, 2013

    I assume there is a family relation to COP Lestrade?

    • Anonymous
      March 1, 2013

      not necessarily . i can pay to change my surname. and letrade has retired so don’t go their. the guy just got lucky.

  75. Willy Wonkah
    February 28, 2013

    what the prosecution expected. as a young foreign officer,i expected no different. It is totally ludaris to expect a guilty verdict. She was the one who jumped.its not a case where she was pushed. What she should have done is upon hearing the shattered glass, call the police or at least scream to alert somebody. furthermore, to obtain a guilty verdict, he should have been charged for attempted burglary, or trespassing and destroying property.

  76. sour GRAPES
    February 28, 2013

    let us pray let us pray let us pray………………………………………………………………………………………………………………i hope they dont blame skerrit for that

    • Anonymous
      February 28, 2013

      althea is that you

  77. KUBA
    February 28, 2013

    there was no evidence for this case to go before the court the guy did not torch her yes she was afraid well fear cause her to jump and break her leg she should take fear to court

  78. tippp
    February 28, 2013

    let a somebody fix him up for u nuh

  79. Jury
    February 28, 2013

    I find it even more shocking that a jury of 9 WOMEN found him not guilty. If women themselves won’t take a stand to stop domestic violence against women who will?!

    • March 1, 2013

      pls read carefully

      the charges where wrong at first,he had a restraining orderfrom her,he broke that,plus attempt of breaking and entering,deistruction of private property,
      with he the prosecuter can refile these chargers,cause they was never filed,lol

  80. Voice of the South
    February 28, 2013

    Since when is battery of women considered to be an offense or even wrong in Dominica? I think the prehistoric ideal still prevails “if he does not beat you he does not love you”. Sad but true.

    Domestic violence is so prevalent in D/A to the point the people do not even notice the broken bones and blue eyes anymore as it is everywhere. Women in Dominica can only change their situation by sticking together but unfortunately the opposite is true. Dominican women love to hate and hurt each other and is one of the major reasons why men get away with murdering women every day.

    Only Women can help themselves!! Do not wait for the courts to do it for you because it is male dominated and they themselves are wife beaters. DEMAND it as you DESERVE it.

  81. Tempi
    February 28, 2013

    Does Okim have dimples ?

    If so maybe the women just gave the young man a chance.

  82. Jezzze
    February 28, 2013

    This has got to be a JOKE! right?….

  83. Child will grow
    February 28, 2013

    hmmmm, we will wait for when that child grow.

  84. Jolly
    February 28, 2013

    Mr.Joseph my friend welcome to the Ignorance Factor That Dominates the entire island of Dominica..

    Folks don’t deal anything based on issues..

    It’s a sewo, Bling bling place called Dominica

    Issues don’t matter to this present scoiety!

  85. Anonymous
    February 28, 2013

    :(

  86. important 23rd
    February 28, 2013

    shaking my head at this , i really don’t know what this country is coming to , killers running free and innocent people jailed up , not guilty after all he has done , really sad and i am disappointed at the results

    • John Paul
      February 28, 2013

      :( The Most sensible comment was that the Procecutor brought the wrong charges!He should not therefore be shocked at the not guilty verdict.He should have brought the Guy up for breaking the restraining order and intimidation and terrorizing etc.but the Man did not cause grievious bodily harm!
      Mr. Procecutor get it together !

  87. ??????????????
    February 28, 2013

    What! And some people want you to say that the justice system on island is the best in the world? They won’t hear it from my mouth for sure.If what i read is the absolute truth, well we have got to go back to the drawing board.

  88. Woman
    February 28, 2013

    This is very disheartening! As a citizen of this country where is the justice when justice needs to be handed down. What kind of message are we sending out to our citizens? That it is alright for an individual to threaten a life? OMG. Reading this story got me scared for the woman, I could sense her fear that she felt it necessary to run away for her life. What kind of jurors do we have in Dominica? This woman’s testimony was enough to say that she feared for her life. He disregarded the law – restraining order against him and still came after her and kept harassing her!! That alone tells me he disobeyed a court order against him to stay away from her. She feared for her life, and adrenaline pumping through her made her escape and run for her dear life! What a shame, what a shame!! What message are we sending to the world, that there is simply no Judgement in this country. Lets all just run naked in the street why dont we!!!!! Cause we all seems to be going nuts.
    And this has nothing to do with surname!!!!!!!

  89. Syborg55
    February 28, 2013

    I cannot believe what I’m reading, this is a total miss carriage of justice. No man has the right to raise his hands on Any woman. He the batterer should now be met with the same fear and pain the this woman suffered. He needs to be taught a very valuable lesson.

  90. Kaiso Fanatic
    February 28, 2013

    what happen doze 9 femalejury doh like mamzel man…smh

    • Kaiso Fanatic
      February 28, 2013

      it is obvous this girl is afraid of him that is why she had to run away from him therefore leading to breaking her leg in the process.. i think it was because of his grievous attack..#amjustsaying#

  91. spirit 202
    February 28, 2013

    if what this young mother is saying is the truth have not hear any thing from the man side he should be held for her injuries he had a restraining order does that not count for something he jump and shattered the glasses this too is something he should held for.some man hand too damm heavy my self looking to collect over 20 thousand from that monster for my fracture.after years of beating.

  92. February 28, 2013

    :( :cry: :?: :?: :?: :evil: and then some ….

  93. Free Thinker
    February 28, 2013

    Justice for your MONEY!!

  94. real possie
    February 28, 2013

    Wow even your own sisters let u down.This is madness

  95. mmmmm
    February 28, 2013

    Never get a jury trial in Dominica for sure. Ignorant people!

  96. Anonymous
    February 28, 2013

    what madness is this? the woman leg was broken from the jump..even though it was provoked by the BFriend, he did not break it…lawyers..SMFH

    • important 23rd
      February 28, 2013

      , i hope u wud of stayed in the house and never jump to save ur life , maybe u hate urself but i am sure the girl loved hers , ur comment is so dumb

    • A Voice
      February 28, 2013

      This is pure ignorance and lack of empathy on your part man. Would you have said the same thing if she had drowned in the sea?

      The guy was breaking into her residence and out of fear for her life and safety she jumped from a window and you think he is not responsible?

      If when she had jumped from that window she had gotten impaled by a fence for example, and died, would you have stated “even though it was provoked by the BFriend, he did not break it…lawyers..SMFH”

      Think man, think…

    • Reader
      February 28, 2013

      She should have stayed there and let him kill her, right. I guess it’s then, and only then, you will see that this monser should be locked up. When are we going to speak up against violence against women? I hope you join the rest of the world in observing white ribbon day. (Hint: look it up)

    • my take
      March 1, 2013

      I totally agree with you.. I feel for her but the man did not break her leg….Some other charges should have been brought on..Lets see the legal side of it which is what it boils down to.

    • Mr. G
      March 1, 2013

      I kind of agree with this comment. In the sence that I believe the man was given the wrong charge. How can he be convicted of inflicting grievious bodily harm when he didn’t touch the woman. He should have been charged with breaking and entering and/or making threats, but its just my opinion that he can’t be charged for inflicting harm when he didn’t inflict harm. He was badly charged.

    • Mr. G
      March 1, 2013

      They could have also charged him for violating the restraining order.

  97. grell
    February 28, 2013

    the name got him off my girl,you dont have brothers,if you were my sister this coward would never place his hands on anothe woman.shame on the jurors.dominica the last name sets you free.dont worry my dear another woman will deal with him,hes a coward.

  98. Domerican/Possie
    February 28, 2013

    Wow, I cannot believe what I just read. I never knew Okim was so violent. I know Okim going back many years; how people change boy. Hmmm!

    • Waitukubul-original
      February 28, 2013

      He did not change, you just never knew the monster that was sleeping within him.

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