Knife found in dock during Bascome murder trial
An investigation has begun after a knife was found inside the defendant’s dock during a murder trial at the Supreme Court.
Multiple sources have confirmed to The Royal Gazette that the knife was discovered during a routine search by a prison officer, before the trial of Raheem Wray began for the day.
The trial had been moved to a court in the Dame Lois Browne-Evans Building after an altercation outside Supreme Court 1 at Sessions House. It is understood that the weapon, a flick knife, was found on Monday.
Mr Wray’s lawyer, Jerome Lynch, KC, said there was no suggestion that his client was involved, saying: “There is no suggestion it was him at all.
“It would have been extremely difficult for him to have done that or anyone on his behalf.”
Mr Lynch questioned security at the court, which has an airport-style scanner and security staff at one side of the main entrance to the building which also houses the island’s magistrate courts.
“I find it extraordinary that they have not identified the person who did this,” he added. “There are cameras all over the court. It needs to be more secure.”
The courts were disrupted yesterday when staff staged a sit-in. No one other than official staff were allowed to go to the first floor of the Dame Lois Browne-Evans Building.
It is not known what the cause of the dispute was. A spokeswoman for the Bermuda Public Services Union would only say: “I can confirm that as talks are under way, the BPSU does not have a comment for the press on this matter right now.”
Last night Nicole Smith, the Acting Registrar for the Courts of Bermuda, said: “Some court staff took action to raise a number of concerns.
“As a result, there were a series of meetings with court staff, management and BPSU officials during which various issues were identified and efforts are under way to address those issues.”
She said that staff returned to work and that most court matters were able to proceed.
“The court apologises to the public and any affected parties for any inconvenience which may have been caused.”
A police spokesman said: “The Bermuda Police Service can confirm that an investigation was commenced following the discovery of a knife inside one of the courtrooms located in the Dame Lois Browne-Evans Building.”
Nicole Smith, the Acting Registrar of the Courts of Bermuda, added: “Court security is of utmost importance for all participants in a court matter as well as the general public who attend the court.
“In addressing security concerns, the courts liaise with government, police and other entities to implement measures to ensure a safe and secure environment for all court proceedings.”
Mr Wray, from Devonshire, was found not guilty of the murder of Osagi Bascome on Monday. He had been charged with a single count of murder in connection with the fatal stabbing of the footballer in the early hours of December 18, 2021.
The altercation outside Sessions House took place last week shortly after the trial.
At the time, a police spokesman said that two members of the public allegedly assaulted Mr Wray as he was being escorted from the Supreme Court.
The incident sparked a police response, with officers visible outside Sessions House and the surrounding area shortly afterwards.
The spokesman said that the men fled the scene before additional officers arrived. He said that an investigation was launched immediately and two suspects were arrested.
They were released on police bail pending further investigation.
The trial resumed the next day from a courtroom inside the Dame Lois Browne-Evans Building, but the change of venue had been decided before the altercation.
As the trial concluded, armed officers were in place inside and outside the building.
• It is The Royal Gazette’s policy not to allow comments on stories regarding court cases. As we are legally liable for any libellous or defamatory comments made on our website, this move is for our protection as well as that of our readers
