Today, August 11 2022, Albert “DeeJay Alfie” Raffoul appeared before Magistrate Bernard Pacquette at the Roseau Magistrate court where the charges of manslaughter and cannabis cultivation were read to him. Raffoul was arrested and charged for the cultivation of 41 cannabis plants at Gommier Stewart Estate on August 8 2022. Upon reading the charge to the accused, he pleaded not guilty to the offence. Raffoul was granted bail in the sum of $20,000.00. The matter has been adjourned to November 25 2022.
In light of the offence of manslaughter, the accused was not required to enter a plea as the offence is of an indictable nature.
Raffoul was charged with the unlawful killing of 31-year old, Louisa Dorothy Prince on August 8 2022 at Gommier Stewart Estate. Notably, the death of Prince, which is alleged to be as a result of a possible electrocution, had been under investigation by the Commonwealth of Dominica police force.
According to Acting Inspector, Fixton Henderson, the body of Prince was discovered with apparent burns to her abdominal region and knees, in a greenhouse at the back of the house where she resided. Upon the determination of bail, the prosecution pleaded with the court that the charge of manslaughter was a grave penalty and that the public interest should be given consideration.
Raffoul was represented by defense counsels Kondowani Williams and Wayne Norde, led by a senior counsel in this matter. The defense presented that the accused is medically ill and requires surgery, which was corroborated by the arresting officer.
Nadia Raffoul was proposed to act as surety on behalf of the accused and was deemed fit and proper to do so by Magistrate Pacquette. The matter has hereby been adjourned to December 5 2022.
As part of the accused’s bail conditions, the court demands that he is to report to the Roseau Police Station every Monday and Friday between the hours of 7:00 am and 7:00 pm. Raffoul is also required to surrender his passport to the court, seek permission from the court prior to travel and inform the court and the police 72 hours in advance, where there is a change of address.
1 Comment
Should the manslaughter charge be first in the headline as it is far more important than the drug charge. And it would no be cut off in the shortened headline.