Court Awards $60K to Man Who Was Unlawfully Arrested

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – A Court has awarded $60,000 in damages to a man who was unlawfully arrested and detained by police officers in Grand Bahama in 2021.

Edward Williams, who said he suffered post-traumatic stress disorder, as a result of the incident had sought $1 million in compensation.

But Acting Supreme Court Registrar Renaldo Toote said that litigants should not expect to strike gold. He said that awards must be reasonable, principled, and proportionate.

Williams sued after he was pulled over near Sister Mary Patricia Junior High School in Freeport, Grand Bahama.

Police searched his vehicle without lawful justification or a warrant. He was then aggressively removed from his car, handcuffed tightly, forced to the ground, and arrested without explanation.

Williams was detained for two days.

He was awarded a default judgment after the government failed to enter a defense to his claim.