Ex-constable Phillip Arrindell cleared of theft charge, civil suit against police force pending

The DPP withdrew the theft charge against former Police Constable Phillip Arrindell on August 18. His lawyer has since filed a legal challenge against the RSVGPF.

Theft charge dropped against ex-officer, civil action looms

Former Police Constable Phillip Arrindell has been cleared of a theft charge after the Director of Public Prosecutions withdrew the matter in court on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, Searchlight SVG reports. His lawyer, Grant Connell, has since initiated a legal challenge against the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF).

Arrindell had been charged with stealing one black Suzuki vehicle key, valued at EC$1,500, the property of Jadiel Riffin of Villa. The alleged offence was said to have taken place between March 16 and 19, 2026, in the areas of Kingstown and Calliaqua, while Arrindell was still serving as a police officer.

The case had originally been scheduled for trial on May 12, 2026, at the Calliaqua Magistrate's Court. On that date, Connell indicated he had not received full disclosure of the material relating to his client, prompting Magistrate John Ballah to grant a final adjournment. Ballah stressed he takes the management of court time seriously.

When the matter returned on August 18, the prosecution was not prepared to proceed. The DPP subsequently withdrew the charge, and Arrindell was freed. With the criminal matter now closed, the civil challenge against the RSVGPF is expected to be the next legal development in the case.

Source: Searchlight SVG