Verdict – R vs. Cervio Cox
Thu, 2010-05-27
Detective Chief Inspector Nicholas Pedro, Officer In Charge of the Serious Crime Unit - The Bermuda Police Service is pleased to note the verdict of the jury in the matter of R vs. Cervio Cox that recently concluded in the Supreme Court.
The verdict was a testament to the hard work and dedication of Police Officers and Prosecutors that brought the case to a successful conclusion.
This case was noteworthy due to the fact that the prosecution case centered on the fact that Cox was charged under a provision in law (Section 27 of the Criminal Code) to charge:-
27 (1) When an offence is committed, each of the following persons is deemed to have taken part in committing the offence, and to be guilty of the offence, and may be charged with actually committing it—
(b) every person who does any act or makes any omission for the purpose of enabling or aiding another person to commit the offence;
(c) every person who aids another person in committing the offence;
We believe this case demonstrates the resolve of the Service and the DPP to pursue all avenues to seek justice for victims and their families. Whilst we have not yet prosecuted the gunman, this aspect of the case remains open, and where the evidence allows us to pursue other offenders, we will do so.
We would like to take this opportunity to remind the public that the Bermuda Police Service is continuing its investigation into the spate of murders and shootings that have recently plagued our Island.
In January of this year, additional investigators were brought in from overseas to provide added capacity to the Serious Crime Unit in resolving outstanding cases.
In recent months, four persons have been charged with Attempted Murder through use of firearms, and two other persons charged with firearms offences where firearms were discharged at members of the public.
The additional capacity has enabled our investigators to focus on the more serious cases, and this strategy is beginning to bear fruit. It is expected that in the coming weeks and months, more persons will appear before the courts on these serious offences, including murder.
The Bermuda Police Service remains committed to the victims of crime and their families, and we will continue to doggedly pursue & bring to justice, all of those persons who challenge peace and order in our communities.
We would also like to thank members of the public for providing assistance in this matter and take this opportunity to encourage the public to continue to assist the Bermuda Police Service in future to resolve such crimes.
