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PLP outburst forces Travolta case retrial

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Former PLP Senator Pleasant Bridgewater leaves court.

Audio FIles

Published On:Thursday, October 22, 2009

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Staff Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

THE John Travolta attempted extortion trial ended in chaos last night after an outburst at the PLP convention forced Senior Justice Anita Allen to order a retrial.

Proceedings were sensationally halted after South Andros MP Picewell Forbes took to the convention stage and told delegates that one of the accused, former PLP senator Pleasant Bridgewater, had been acquitted.

He exclaimed: "Pleasant is a free woman PLPs! Pleasant is a free woman PLPs! God is good PLPs! Pleasant is a free woman! God still reigns PLPs!"

But trial jury members were still deliberating, and had been for more than eight hours. No verdict had been reached although convention members celebrated Bridgewater's supposed vindication by singing and dancing to "Oh Happy Day".

An angry Senior Justice Allen discharged jurors from returning with a verdict at 10.54pm last night, informing them that some two hours earlier there was an announcement at a political convention by a senior official, indicating that one of the accused persons had been acquitted.

Some 20 minutes earlier, the jury had been brought into court and the foreman indicated they needed more time to reach a decision.

Senior Justice Allen told the jury: "We are very concerned, in the interest of justice, that it does not appear that there has been a communication from the jury room. Justice must not only be done, but seen to be done."

Noting that the trial has lasted some five weeks, the judge said: "I am very very reluctant to discharge you but in the interest of justice, having heard the views of counsel, we are concerned. It leaves the impression that there may have been a communication from the jury room.

"I am not going to ask if there was or not."

The judge then ordered a retrial for the accused.

Outside the courtroom, Bridgewater was swarmed by family members and supporters who subsequently went into chants of "Pleasant, Pleasant" as they moved on to Bank Lane.

Bridgewater's attorney Murrio Ducille told reporters: "We were ready for the verdict. I know that we would have won. Everything is positive. There has been absolutely no evidence to implicate this lady or Lightbourne for that matter."

Mr Ducille said he is prepared for a retrial but has no idea when that would be. He said he would not comment on how the possible leak of the verdict came about.

"There is no evidence as to where that came from," he said.

Mr Travolta's attorney Michael Ossi told reporters he was happy with Senior Justice Allen's decision to discharge the jury.

When asked whether Mr Travolta would be prepared to return to testify at the retrial Mr Ossi said: "We are fully cooperating with the prosecution.

"We are committed to seeing this through, and we are committed to seeing justice served. Whatever the prosecution asks us to do is exactly what we will do.

"We would have liked to have seen a verdict rendered today but we would like to see justice served."

Attorney Carlson Shurland said: "Unfortunately the announcement at the convention compromised the integrity of the jury room and after five weeks of serious advocacy it's very disappointing. We are very confident that at the end of the day our client will be vindicated."

Mr Shurland said he will seek to have the retrial held in Freeport.

Around 9.30pm last night, hundreds at the PLP convention were whipped into a frenzy by an overly enthusiastic Mr Forbes who prematurely exclaimed: "Pleasant is a free woman PLPs! Pleasant is a free woman PLPs! God is good PLPs! Pleasant is a free woman! God still reigns PLPs!"

The convention exploded in an impromptu dance to the song "Oh Happy Day" while the jury was still deliberating.

The session chairman mounting the podium after Mr Forbes' speech had to apologise for whatever confusion the MP's pronouncement caused.

And late last night the PLP issued an official apology. A statement read: "Last evening in the course of an address at our annual national general convention, it was announced that former Senator Pleasant Bridgewater had been acquitted. The announcement was incorrect. We give an unqualified apology. This was not intended to interfere with the administration of justice."

Before being sent to deliberate yesterday, the jury in the John Travolta trial were told yesterday they had to be certain that ex-PLP Senator Pleasant Bridgewater and former ambulance driver Tarino Lightbourne agreed together to extort money from the star.

In her summing up, Senior Justice Anita Allen told the nine-member jury a "threat" is simply an expression of an intention to do something, and if they believed there was no threat, then the accused could not be found guilty of attempted extortion.

Bridgewater and Lightbourne are accused of attempting to extort, and conspiring to extort $25 million from American actor John Travolta between January 2 and 20 by means of a threat. They deny the charges.

Senior Justice Allen told the jury they had to be certain the pair agreed together to extort money from Mr Travolta, 55, stating they could not convict one on the conspiracy charge and acquit the other.

On the abetment to extortion charge against Ms Bridgewater alone, Senior Justice Allen told the jury they could not find Bridgewater guilty of both attempted extortion as well as abetment to extortion.

She told them to consider the abetment charge against her only after considering the attempted extortion charge. She told the jury that only if they found her not guilty on the attempted extortion charge, could they consider the charge of abetment to extortion.

The prosecution had alleged that after Jett Travolta, 16, had died of a seizure on January 2, contact was made with certain individuals to convey a threat to Mr Travolta, regarding the release to the media of a refusal of treatment form bearing his signature.

The form releases medical personnel who attend to patients in their care of any liability if they are not taken to the hospital.

When Mr Travolta took the witness stand, he testified he had been informed that the release document he signed, and stories connected to the document, which would imply that he was in some way culpable in the death of his son, would be released to the media if money was not paid.

The defence contended however that there had been no threat or demand but rather a "negotiation" for the purchase of a document which Mr Lightbourne had in his possession.

Bridgewater contended that she had been acting on behalf of Lightbourne in her capacity as an attorney.

Senior Justice Allen told the jury that lawyers are not immune to the law if they do any act which amounts to a criminal offence, whether on their own or in representing a client. Lightbourne's defence said he had made no threat or demand and described him as an opportunist and not an extortionist.

Both accused made unsworn statements to the jury proclaiming their innocence and the judge said it was for the jury to determine whether they were of any evidential value and what weight to be given to them. She also told them that even if they did not believe a word the accused had said, they still had to be satisfied on the evidence of the prosecution that they had committed the offences.

She reminded the jury they had to accept her directions on the law, and that their role was to decide on the facts. She noted that the case is perhaps one of the most high profile ever in the Bahamas but told the jury they were not to have any regard to the media publicity. She ordered them not to have any sympathy for the victim (Mr Travolta) nor the accused, and also told them they should not have any prejudice towards them.

"This case is not about politics. This is not about them against us," Senior Justice Allen said.

She told the jury they should not reject the evidence of PLP senator Allyson Maynard Gibson and Mr Travolta's attorney Michael McDermott on the basis that they had assisted the police. She told the jury that there was nothing in the law that prohibited such actions.

The prosecution had brought video and audio taped conversations between McDermott and the accused in a covert operation as evidence in the trial.

The defence claimed that Mr Travolta had given birth to extortion and was an untruthful witness.

Senior Justice Allen told the jury that the accused could be found guilty by a two thirds majority of 6-3 or 9-0.

Reader Comments - 21 Total

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Posted By: Jeff Amos On: 10/23/2009

Title: People's Libelous Party

We cannot believe the stupidity of Bahamian Politicians is he really a member of a Parliament? Poor people of Andros to have an idiot representing them, how embarrassing for the Bahamas,,,,,, again! i hope they throw the book at him.

Posted By: Jan On: 10/22/2009

Title: picewell

Really Anndrea? Are you for real? Not his fault? The man is a member of parliament and supposed to be well versed on the laws of the land. He was also a reporter, so he cannot cry ignorance. He knew what he was doing. We in the Bahamas are so usd to gettin something for nothing and getting away with petty, corrupt and immoral acts that we see nothing wrong with a lot of the mess that happens here. People we have got to do better. Mr. Ingraham, clean this place up! Stop the dumbing down of our people that began more than 40 years ago. Christian Council, where are you? Speak out against this mess, slander, laziness, sweethearting,murder and all the other ills that have turned this once beautiful country of ours into a reeking cesspool

Posted By: Ricardo Wright On: 10/22/2009

Title: cant help themselves

will someone please send a memo to the PLP that they have exceeded their quota for disgracing this country. it started in the 80's and still exist today. i dont know how any descent citizen can support that party. they are beyond hopeless.

Posted By: Judi On: 10/22/2009

Title: Pricewell Forbes

Why is it that every time there is a scandal involving our country a PLP is always at the helm? How much lower can we sink?

Posted By: anndrea On: 10/22/2009

Title: piswell forbes

If you were watching the convention you would have seen persons in the corner rejoicing, come on now, If I were a member her bridgewater's family and I told you a pass a bye, You would probably have done the same thing? It was not his fault simple?

Posted By: K C On: 10/22/2009

Title: Picewell Forbes

What an imbecile! Is he really and truly this stupid? Perry, please do something! God has opened this door for you to show that you are well and truly in charge of this party. Use this opportunity, do the right thing and remove this idiot. He is a national emabarrassment. Here's another question: did anyone ever define "extortion" for the jurists before they began deliberations? It seems that everyone thinks it's okay to make a buck off the backs of someone else, even when it's illegal. Come on Bahamas! We are better than this!

Posted By: Sean On: 10/22/2009

Title: Picewell Forbes

Picewell Forbes as a Member of Parliament with a Journalist background should have known better. As the PLP Convention was broadcast live on radio and televison networks, and was heard via the internet, the information uttered by him was heard world wide. In such a position, he should have verified the information. Consequently, the Bahamas now looks like a laughing stock, where politicians appear to interfere in the course of justice. It is a bad image as many of the major media outlets around the world have already posted and spoke about the turn of events. It is said that people are always finding fault with the PLP. In this year alone, the PLP seems to have many scandals relating to them. In the need to defend the scandals, the PLP's always claim that the FNM is behind the corrupt issues of the PLP. I heard from the news that Mr. Forbes may be charged and that an investigation is under way to seek whether a juror may have leaked information. I beleive that whoever is found guilty, a stiff punishemnt should be handed out. For Mr. Forbes, I belive he should do the honourable thing and resign as a MP. He can no longer serve as a role model and a member in the House of Assembly. Should Mr. Christie win the Leader position, it will be seen whether he is still the same and not discipline one of his MP's.

Posted By: Lala On: 10/22/2009

Title: My goodness

I am so embarrassed as I sit here writing this comment. How much more can Bahamians take. All this mayhem and foolishness from this PLP party and their loose mouth members. What was Picewell thinking. They ought to charge him and prosecute him to the full extent of the law. Don't these people realize that this little country depends on nations like America and others for our livelihood and yet they keep managing to put us on blast in the international media as some sort of "villagers" as we were previously called during the Anna Nicole issue. Someone gag Picewell and those big teeth of his NOW! Lord help us all.

Posted By: Lisa On: 10/22/2009

Title: God is Good!

He exclaimed: "Pleasant is a free woman PLPs! Pleasant is a free woman PLPs! God is good PLPs! Pleasant is a free woman! God still reigns PLPs!" What has God got to do with this! I don't think God is happy with you PLP's!

Posted By: Sandra B On: 10/22/2009

Title: Disgusted

Picewell Forbes needs to be penalized in some form for what he did last night! but one person i know won't do it is Perry Christie. He is the reason why there are so many roque PLP officials consistantly bring embarassment to this country and Picewell Forbes should have known better, as a former broadcaster the ramifications of his actions. the PLP needs to be guttered, get rid of all of the Pindling era people and get some new faces in the leadership roles, so we can have a viable opposition. it's just disgusting the state that party's in

Posted By: Bush Lawyer On: 10/22/2009

Title: hE THAT IS WITHOUT

Both parties have had mud on their faces....there is dead bodies all over the place. So make a list and compare. What else is new? ..Does not make it right, but get real..!!!

Posted By: Concerned Bahamian On: 10/22/2009

Title: Bahamas Wake Up!

I guess the PLP can't do no wrong. Even the blind knows you shouldn't speak about a case before a jury gives a verdict. Why does it seem that only gangstas, old people, uneducated people, only high school educated people, people with a scandalous background are members of the PL. Not just those in top positions in the PLP but the bottom of the pyramid the supporters. It seems only ghetto people are PLP's with insensitive Elitists and I'm better than you, and I'm making my pocketbook fat off the backs and ignorance of the Bahamian people. You have to have tunnel vision or blind as a bat, or dumb as a donkey to believe that there is nothing wron with the PLP. That there is Nothing Wrong with Money laundering by th PLP treasurer, that there is nothing wrong with the seemingly attempted extortion. Come On Bahamas wake up! We are already behind the Eight ball, do you really want to be behind the Pool table or Behind the entire Sports Bar too. These Politicians on both parties don't Care about us they live behind lyford cay while we live pay check to paycheck struggling to pay bills. Get out there and protest, get on my 5 Cents show on cable Bahamas, Learn your Bahamian history and the Bahamas constitution, Do something! Bahamas is suffering! Or we can all leave the country, some of us can.

Posted By: Change your leadership PLP On: 10/22/2009

Title: I give up

Honestly God must be trying to tell the PLP something. They need to get rid of Perry Christie and clear house because I dont think Judas luck was this bad and he betrayed the Son of God.

Posted By: Sam On: 10/22/2009

Title: Sad

Just sad to see after five weeks, nothing is settled as yet.

Posted By: F. Smith On: 10/22/2009

Title: Pricewell Forbes

What an idiot! How dare he make an international mockery of us! Just because Shane Gibson and Pleasant Bridgewater have done it doesn’t mean he should be following suit. Why is it that the PLP is so hell-bent on embarrassing our little nation? Oh, I know! Our international reputation and the future of our economy is less important to them than serving their own needs.

Posted By: Erasmus Folly On: 10/22/2009

Title: Ignorant Morons

What is wrong with the PLP, a bunch of ignorant morons it seems? God save us from the PLP! What kind of nonsense is this? Bahamians, in the 21st century, what kind of country do you want? First world or Haiti? Tired of this nonsense. We can be a two bit African Republic or we can be something first world. The choice is ours! For any of you confused, the two bit African Republic leads to corruption and poverty... Choose wisely!

Posted By: "A Conservative Liberal" On: 10/22/2009

Title: Facts On Outburst!

As an observer to both parties, I must confirm that it was not Mr. Forbes doing for the call for a retrial. Anyone who was watching the convention last night during the outburst would have seen that the outburst came from a section of the convention floor in front where PLP party leaders/MP's including Mr. Roberts were seated. As the reaction to the outburst was felt by many including Mr. Forbes who was one of many that reacted to the information, it is unfortunate that he was the one with the mic in his hand at the time. Therefore, it was not the doing of Mr. Forbes rather an act of being in the wrong place and the right time!

Posted By: Gail H On: 10/22/2009

Title: Silly

So sad that this is the end result of this due to such irresponsible actions.

Posted By: Joe On: 10/22/2009

Title: Morons Strike Again

All expenses incurred in the mistrial should be paid by this ass. Travolta's wear and tear on his jet, fuel, pilot fees, security expenses and all costs of the government should be paid by Forbes. If it bankrupts him, perfect. He will be expelled from the house and a bi-election will be called. He should also be charged with contempt of court. First Bridgewater and her stupidity tarnished our nation's image. Now Forbes continues with this insult to your credibility. The PLP is in serious decline. I am certain LOP is rolling over in his grave. In the future, it should be mandatory that all being nominated to serve in the House and Senate pass an IQ test as I am certain that Bridgewater and Forbes combined IQ may be 100 on a good day.

Posted By: A. Ferguson On: 10/22/2009

Title: Picewell Forbes

I cannot believe that Mr. Forbes could be so irresponsible and reckless. Someone is his position should absolutely know better than that and there is absolutely no excuse. How many more missteps do we have to endure from the members of this party! They need to do a serious house-cleaning before the next election if they want to be taken seriously.

Posted By: john jones On: 10/22/2009

Title:

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