NOTABLE CASES
R V NORWOOD & JUDY BENEBY 1984
Lead Prosecutor – successfully prosecuted R v NORWOOD & JUDY BENEBY [1984] the complainants being the Royal Bank of Canada. After successful prosecution in the Supreme Court the Attorney General’s Office lodged an appeal which was dismissed by the Honorable Court of Appeal.
R V BRIDGEWATER 2009
Lead Defense Counsel – R V BRIDGEWATER [2009]. Probably the most highly publicized Supreme Court trial in the Bahamas as the Prosecution’s main witness was the famous Hollywood Star John Travolta. Media coverage extended internationally. Freeport based Attorney and former Member of Parliament was accused of the bribery and extortion of Travolta. During the first trial it was pronounced on live television at a political rally that Bridgewater was acquitted however the Court had not yet finished delivering the jury’s verdict. As a result a mistrial was ordered inasmuch as the verdict to be pronounced was favorable to Bridgewater. Another trial date was set however the Crown thought best to dismiss the charges against Bridgewater closer to trial time.
R V MCNEIL 2010
Lead Defense Counsel – R V MCNEIL [2010]. Another highly reported Supreme Court trial as it involved the Murder of Harl Taylor, local but internationally renowned businessman and fashion designer known for his high end straw work and handbag designs. After undergoing two (2) trials, the first ending in a hung jury, MCNEIL was acquitted. The trial was presided over by the Honorable Senior Justice Anita Allen, as she then was and is said to have turned on the correct interpretation of the DNA evidence relied on by the Crown during the trial.
BARRINGTON ROBINSON 2014
Lead Defense Counsel – BARRINGTON ROBINSON [2014] which argued the Constitutionality of a recent regime of imposing a mandatory minimum sentence starting point of four (4) years for Dangerous Drug and Firearm Possession cases. The Honorable Senior Justice Jon Isaacs, as he then was, originally in a Constitutional Application did not consider the constitutionality arguments thereby dismissed the motion. However, on appeal to the Honorable Court of Appeal their Lordships found it necessary to allow Robinson’s appeal and remit the matter to the Supreme Court for His Lordship to consider the Constitutional arguments. During the second hearing before His Lordship Isaacs and upon consideration of the constitutional arguments, he declared that the imposition of mandatory minimum sentences were unconstitutional. Shortly thereafter Parliament moved and abolished the imposition of mandatory minimum sentences altogether.
THE ATTORNEY GENERAL (APPELLANT) v CHEVANESE HALL (RESPONDENT) 2016 UKPC 28.
Lead Defense Counsel – successful overturn of convictions in the case of THE ATTORNEY GENERAL (APPELLANT) v CHEVANESE HALL (RESPONDENT) [2016] UKPC 28. Mr. Ducille argued the appeal against conviction in the Honorable Court of Appeal where the appeal was allowed. The Attorney General’s Office appealed to the Privy Council and their appeal was dismissed. This case has shaped the categorization of criminal cases in the Bahamas and has resulted in the proper placement of matters before the Bahamian courts. This decision has also guided Prosecutors in the correct framing and drafting of their particulars.