Court Rules GB Businessman Was Unlawfully Arrested, Prosecuted

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – A Grand Bahama businessman has scored a legal victory against the police after the supreme court ruled that he was unlawfully arrested, detained and maliciously prosecuted.

Justice Constance Delancy found that Jason Hanna’s April 2021 arrest stemmed from a custody dispute and allegations that he threatened his child’s mother, Niya Walkine.

Hanna spent nearly 24 hours in police custody before being released on bail.

He was subsequently acquitted of a threats of death charge.

The court raised serious concerns about the police investigation, including the failure to properly verify an alleged threatening voice note.

The judge also questioned Chief Superintendent Sherry Armaly’s involvement, given her close personal relationship with the complainant.

The court ruled that Hanna’s constitutional rights were violated and ordered that he receive damages, with the amount to be determined by a registrar.

He was also awarded legal costs.