A civil suit over the handling of a home birth came before Magistrates’ Court yesterday, with a mother claiming “wilful negligence”.

Keanne Bean is seeking $2,195 from Sophia Cannonier, the operator of Lotus, claiming that the midwife hired by Ms Cannonier for her home birth was “unprofessional and culturally insensitive”. However, Ms Cannonier denies the claims, stating that the midwife gave Ms Bean what she needed to ensure that the child was delivered safely.

While the child was eventually delivered in hospital by C-section, Ms Cannonier said it was not the fault of her or the midwife. The civil trial began yesterday, and is expected to continue in mid-September.

Meanwhile, also in court, a Jamaican visitor has denied trying to leave Bermuda with $10,671 in undeclared cash. Dean Fagon, 44, was arrested at L.F. Wade International Airport on Wednesday as he allegedly tried to fly out with the mixture of Bermudian and American currency.

The Florida-based defendant on $15,000 bail, awaiting his return to court for mention on September 2. He ordered Mr Fagon to only reside at the Clear View Suites & Cottages in Hamilton in the meantime, to surrender all travel documents and to report to Hamilton Police Station every day.

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