Anguilla Pursues Arrest Order for U.S. Man Who Skipped Court

An American facing manslaughter charges in Anguilla missed his court date, prompting officials to label him a fugitive and seek a global warrant.

Anguilla Pursues Arrest Order for U.S. Man Who Skipped Court

A financier from Connecticut who was due in an Anguillan courtroom on Monday has been branded a fugitive after his attorneys told him to remain in the United States.

Scott Hapgood, 44, faces prosecution over the death of Kenny Mitchel, a maintenance worker at the Malliouhana resort, during a confrontation in April. He had posted a $74,000 surety and appeared at earlier sessions.

His counsel notified the tribunal on Sunday night that they had instructed Hapgood not to travel back. They raised concerns about threats to his wellbeing and the integrity of the proceedings.

Dwight Horsford, the territory's top prosecutor, dismissed those claims as unfounded. He said a detention order would be requested from the High Court and shared across borders. The posted surety has already been seized.

Horsford stated that further official measures would follow to secure Hapgood's return.

The matter has fueled heated online discussion, with some islanders alleging that affluent tourists receive preferential treatment. Horsford has cautioned against social media posts that could interfere with the case.

Governor Tim Foy asserted that the territory's courts operate without bias and that the rule of law remains paramount.

A second post-mortem examination revealed Mitchel had a fatal level of cocaine in his system, though initial findings attributed death to injuries sustained during the altercation.

Source: Stamford Advocate

Source: Google News AI — Crime