BVI: Businessman charged with manslaughter for 2021 accident
Businessman Andrew Morrell was granted station bail today after he was accused by the Royal British Virgin Islands Police Force of manslaughter.
Director of Public Prosecutions, Tiffany Scatliffe-Esprit, instructed police to charge Morrell for his role in the16 October 2021 boat accident that claimed the life of famous musician and volleyball player Frandie Martin.
Martin, 50, was a passenger on a vessel that collided with another boat near Tortola’s south coast between Prospect Reef and Slaney.
Three other passengers were also injured.
Along with manslaughter, Morrell was charged with causing serious injury to a person while onboard a vessel and failing to render assistance after a collision.
The DPP’s office said Morrell was granted bail “with strict conditions,” and he will appear in the Magistrates’ Court on May 31, 2022.
“The public is kindly advised that it is neither irregular nor improper for persons to be granted bail for Manslaughter, a distinct offence to Murder. The decision to make an offer of bail is determined on a case by case basis. The issuance of bail to an Accused does not mean that the matter will not be properly adjudicated,” the DPP noted.
“We are aware of the public interest in this matter and remind the public that such investigations take time and must be executed properly to ensure due process for the victims and the accused.”
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