By Alric Lindsay
Justice Richards learned in the matters for sentencing hearing on Friday, November 8, 2024, that Andrew Devoirix Benjamin, a former police constable with the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service, fled the Cayman Islands to Jamaica by boat. He was supposed to be in Court to face indictments 81/23 and 26/24.
The Crown explained that Benjamin was supposed to complete a social inquiry report before his sentencing. However, on November 6, 2024, the Crown received correspondence from the Probation Service or the Department of Community Rehabilitation advising that Benjamin did not attend his assessment. The Crown added, “On that same date, the Crown received email correspondence from the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service informing us that Mr. Benjamin fled the jurisdiction to Jamaica via boat.”
Research on Benjamin shows that he had a troubled past. In a recent claim, his landlord, Cabby & Co. Ltd., sued him for non-payment of rent for 11 months, amounting to C1$22,000, along with late charges and legal fees. He was jointly charged with a prison officer in that matter.
In the above case, despite the total outstanding being $34k, the landlord noted in the claim that they were willing to cap the fees at $20k.
What happens next?
Since Benjamin failed to appear in Court, his lawyer, Clayton Phuran, queried whether the Court wished to sentence Benjamin in his absence.
In the circumstances, Justice Richards completed the formalities for the absence by issuing a warrant for Benjamin’s arrest. She also set a sentencing date for December 6 at 2pm. The sentencing judgment will be completed in his absence.
Attorney Clayton Phuran
