Trial of Police Officers Flouting COVID Curfew Ends with Pardoning and Warrant

The trial of two police officers caught out after curfew during COVID lockdowns, ended today with one being pardoned and a warrant being issued for the other. PC Albert Martinez and PC Patrick Roaches were charged jointly with breach of curfew, while Martinez had an additional charge of assaulting an officer. Head of the Prosecution Branch Alifa Elrington was to begin the matter today but informed the Magistrate that the officers had decided to settle the matter out of court. The settlement began with Martinez apologizing to Inspector Ryan Timmons, who was a sergeant at the time. Timmons had been called in because the officers who found Martinez and Roaches, needed a higher-ranking officer to detain them. Martinez told Timmons he was sorry and that his actions were fueled by stress and alcohol use. Timmons, who was in court, accepted the apology and the charges against Martinez were withdrawn. However, Roaches did not show up to court and a bench warrant was issued for his arrest. The incident occurred on April 20, 2020. The two constables were in civilian clothes and drinking at the corner of Jasmine Street and Mahogany Street.