By PAVEL BAILEY
Tribune Staff Reporter
pbailey@tribunemedia.net
A MAN accused of murdering a Haitian national whose body was found in a burned building on Wulff Road last month claims police beat him in custody, causing injuries that made him urinate blood.
Cyril Soltau, 29, appeared before Chief Magistrate Roberto Reckley charged with murder, armed robbery, and arson in connection with the February 13 death of 38-year-old Johnson Joseph.
Prosecutors allege Soltau robbed Joseph at knifepoint of alcohol and other personal items, then killed him and set fire to a two-storey yellow and white building on Wulff Road with the victim’s body inside. The building, which housed apartments and a convenience store, is owned by Frederick and Kenneth Donathan.
Soltau was not required to enter a plea but claimed police beat him to force a confession.
He said officers assaulted him at his home and again at the Grove Police Station, leaving him with injuries that caused him to urinate blood. He claimed to have three medical reports documenting the abuse.
Soltau also alleged officers gave him a document to sign under threat, saying he should do so “if he knew what’s best for him”.
He said police later attempted to make him point out the burned building while in a vehicle, prompting him to stop cooperating after realising they were allegedly trying to coerce a confession.
Magistrate Reckley noted the defendant’s claims of police abuse.
Although no relatives were present in court, Soltau was allowed to call his sister before the arraignment.
He also claimed he was denied legal counsel, though prosecutor Inspector Wilkinson said Soltau had been given an opportunity to choose representation.
The case will proceed to the Supreme Court through a voluntary bill of indictment on May 29. Soltau was advised of his right to apply for bail in the higher court and was remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services.
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