Judge Denies Former Cop Damages Over Molestation Acquittal

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – A Supreme Court judge has refused to award damages to a former policeman who was acquitted of molesting two children.

Alexander Beneby, at the time a police corporal, was arraigned on two counts of unlawful sexual intercourse with a dependent on April 27, 2015.

Following his arraignment, Beneby was dismissed from the police force and lost all benefits.

He spent three weeks in custody before he was granted bail on May 19, 2015.

Beneby was eventually acquitted in 2020, three years and nine months after all the evidence was presented in the case.

However, Beneby alleged that he suffered loss and damage due to his prosecution.

Attorney Simeon Brown sought compensation for Beneby due to the mental suffering he experienced and the loss of his job.

Justice Andrew Forbes ruled that Beneby’s constitutional rights had been breached. However, he declined to make an award for damages because Beneby had alternative means for redress.

The judge said that Beneby could have filed a claim for malicious prosecution, unlawful detention or imprisonment, and wrongful dismissal.