A police vehicle parked outside the building that houses the High Court in Road Town.
Jennifer Smith and Shamal Smith walked free from the High Court on Thursday after being acquitted of all charges linked to the ongoing Jose Almestica criminal trial.
Justice Theresa Hadad directed not guilty verdicts for both Smiths following a no-case submission by their defence attorney, Israel Bruce. The Judge also noted that the Crown had entered what is known as nolle prosequi — a formal decision to discontinue prosecution — in respect of several counts in the indictment.
Justice Hadad explained that the effect of the nolle prosequi being entered was that the accused were discharged, so there was no decision for the court to make.
Jennifer and Shamal faced multiple charges, including assisting another in the benefit of criminal conduct, possession of forged currency notes, possession of prohibited weapons, and unlawful possession of explosives. These charges, along with others, were either quashed by the judge or dropped by the prosecution.
Justice Hadad directed verdicts of not guilty on all remaining counts involving the Smiths, including harbouring a prisoner, possession of controlled drugs with intent to supply, possession of prohibited weapons, possession of unlicensed firearms, and unlawful possession of explosives.
The Smiths were closely linked to the case involving Renee Smith and Jose Almestica, in what prosecutors alleged was a wide-ranging criminal enterprise involving drugs, firearms, counterfeit currency and harbouring a fugitive.
Renee Smith and Almestica still face multiple charges ranging from possession of criminal proceeds to firearms offences.
Almestica, a former fugitive from justice, was arrested in 2021 after escaping lawful custody following the 2017 passage of Hurricane Irma while being held as a remanded inmate in the Balsam Ghut prison. He is facing several charges, including possession of an unlicensed firearm, possession of explosives, possession of forged currency, possession of a controlled drug with intent to supply, and possession of the proceeds of criminal conduct.
After taking evidence from several witnesses, the Crown rested its case this week. The defence declined to call any witnesses to the stand. Proceedings against the remaining accused are expected to continue with attorneys making closing remarks before Justice Hadad in the coming days.
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