Man’s Friend Fined After Bail Breach

February 8, 2012

After spending the night in Police custody, 32-year-old Hopde Burrows, was back in Magistrates Court this morning [Feb.7] facing Senior Magistrate Archie Warner.

On Monday 6th February, Mr Burrows had been arrested by Police because he had failed to comply with one of his conditions of bail. That condition required him to report, once every day, to Hamilton Police Station.

On Sunday 5th February, Mr Burrows had failed to report as required, and had endangered the $10,000 that had been put up as Surety.

This was the second time within seven days that Mr Burrows had breached this daily reporting condition. On Tuesday 7th, when, for the second time, Mr Burrows answered to the Senior Magistrate; the Senior Magistrate told him that he would be kept in custody overnight and would return to Court on Wednesday (8th) and should bring with him the person who had signed as Surety when Mr Burrows was initially granted $10,000 bail with one like Surety, back in February 2011.

Mr Burrows’ Surety provider was Mr Derrick Lee. Mr Lee had put up his car as the assigned item of value when he signed the February 2011 Surety $10,000 bond for Hopde Burrows.

Magistrate Warner asked Mr Lee if he understood that, as Surety, he had promised and was legally bound to guarantee that Mr Burrows would comply with all of his ordered bail conditions; and if he knew what Mr Burrows had been doing, and that Mr Burrows had failed to comply with his bail conditions?

Mr Lee replied that he had not been fully aware of all that Mr Burrows was and was not doing. The Senior Magistrate reminded Mr Lee that as Surety, he had promised to ensure that Mr Burrows would do what was required and that he, Mr Lee, had put up $10,000 as a Surety that he would do so. Magistrate Warner: “So your $10,000 is now in jeopardy.”

Mr Lee acknowledged this. Magistrate Warner then told Mr Lee that he would now order him to forfeit $500 which must be paid into the Court today and that he could no longer stand as a Surety for Mr Burrows.

The Senior Magistrate then renewed Mr Burrows $10,000 bail, maintained the daily reporting requirement, ordered the surrender of his travel documents, and required a new $10,000 Surety; but now from a new person.

If Mr Burrows cannot get someone to stand as Surety, he will remain in Police custody.

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Comments (15)

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  1. Wandering says:

    learn people – learn from people who sign and have signed bail for people and they screw them in the foot or perhaps people aren’t understanding that they would lose whatever it is they secure the bail with. THis guy is lucky – all he stands to lose is $500.00 and not his car.

  2. MUFC says:

    I’m sure the new Sureties are lining up for this chap as we speak. NOT!!!

  3. Ants says:

    the bible says don’t stand sign as security for no man that guy got lucky ($500) the judge shoulda made an example outa him that fella would hafta remain on remand until the Cows come home smh

    • andre says:

      I think he will feel the $500. Don’t have to be draconian.

  4. Rick Rock says:

    I can’t see why the whole $10,000 bail wasn’t forfeited immediately. Otherwise what’s the point?

    There’s never any accountability here. Everyone gets ‘let off’ all the time.

    • WHATEVA says:

      As his friend he could have at least shown up. How hard is to show you’re dang face at the Police Station sign in and go home REALLY???What if they would have taken his car…It’s the principle and friend wouldn’t jeopardize his friend surety ….Obviously nothing there’s no guarantee that he was paid that money back…..

  5. OG says:

    Look shut up you fools. A surety is a FRIEND and 5 bills aink nuffin. Now he’s free from his obligation and obviously mr. burrows gave back the money for reimbursement. Simple passa. Bermudians r quick to judge and slow to help….

    • peace says:

      obviously. how is that obvious. if he was such a loser to not show up then whos to say he will pay the $500. he needs to grow up and be responsible for his actions.

  6. know yur place says:

    Government really in need of money

  7. SMDH says:

    Thats some selfish SHIT Hopde seriously!!!

    • peace says:

      SO TRUEEE!!! poor Mr. Lee and whoever his new surety is. Wish them all the best.

  8. MMM says:

    Agree with OG… I’m sure both parties understood their places… People are always looking to make “an example” of the small folks. Make “an example” of the murderers and these little boys running around with guns! SMH!

  9. all clogged up says:

    I ain’t standing surety from anyone….including my family.

  10. GET REAL! says:

    WHY IS THIS NEWS AGAIN??!!

  11. BermyChick says:

    I have to with og on this whole mess. Bermudians/people in general r so quick to cast stone. Realistically people whom live in glass houses should not cast stone. Everyone is acting as if there are both judge n jury in this case. In fact if you red this article you will note tha it doesn’t state anything on mr. Burrows behalf as to why he was not able to make his appearance @ the police station. Again people are assuming things tha they don’t have all the facts in order to draw a conclusion as to why he was not able to appear. There’s a saying ‘people who live in glass houses should not cast stone’. Everyone is cleary doing just that! I think the only people whom no the facts are the judge, mr. Lee n mr. Burrows. That’s the big problem here people jumping to a conclusion without all the facts. Its a good thing you weren’t judges n jury’s we’d all be up craps. Creek without a paddle. Mr. Doesn’t need anyone else rubbin salt in his already open n exsposed wounds I’m sure he feels bad enough. I think that people should just stick to the facts, the rest is hearsay! Before you speak get your facts. Keep in mind we all make mistakes! Unless your of course perfect! N yea I highly doubt anyone is. Keep in mind there’s only one judge whom at the end of the day its he whom we answer to is ‘GOD’.