Court Dismisses Case Against Marc Bean
[Updated with Premier's comments] The Court has ruled on the case involving Opposition Leader Marc Bean allegedly using offensive language to former OBA Senator Toni Daniels, with the Court dismissing the case against Mr Bean today [Aug 12].
The case followed an alleged exchange at the Polling Station in the November 2014 bye-election in Constituency 33, which saw allegations made that Mr Bean made certain comments towards Ms Daniels.
There was a burst of applause in the Courtroom when the case was dismissed, prompting Magistrate Archie Warner to remind people to please be quiet.
Speaking after the case, lawyer Charles Richardson — who successfully represented Mr Bean — told Bernews, “I think that the charges should have never ever have been brought, because of the simple fact that even as the Opposition Leader, Mr. Bean has the right to express his views to anyone, especially a rival politician who personally attacks the politics in his party.
“That’s all it was. It was a spirited political exchange. This prosecution, in my mind, was clearly brought out of political motives. Somebody wanted to damage Marc Bean and the PLP, but it didn’t work.
“Do you know how much money we just wasted upstairs pursuing this out of political motives,” added Mr Richardson.
Audio of Mr Richardson’s comments:
Mr Bean said, “First off I would like to give thanks to God for his guidance and protection, and I would like to acknowledge my beautiful wife Simone who has provided not only spousal support, but a strong amount of legal support throughout the whole ordeal, and I am very blessed to have a woman like that in my corner.”
“I would like to express my gratitude to the support I’ve had. I must say that I’m very blessed to have in my corner a legal mind as astute as Charles Richardson, who in my opinion, is just as sharp and competent as the late Julian Hall was.
“I’m also grateful for the truth coming out, that there were false allegations made against me, and I understand why – this is the political environment.
Audio of Mr Bean’s comments:
Mr Bean continued, “But my focus now has to ensure that, one, we maintain or improve the governance of this country; two, we tackle the debt and the unemployment as a result of the fiscal condition that we find our country in; and, most importantly, we ensure that Bermudians can find their rightful place in their own country, both socially and economically.
“That’s going to be my focus,” added Mr Bean. “Because at this point, the people of this country require my mind to be dedicated to uplifting them in the future.”
Update 6.04pm: Premier Michael Dunkley said, ““What concerned me about this matter is the signal it sent about standards of behaviour today. I can’t for a moment imagine that our forebears would find Mr. Bean’s language acceptable.
“Although this court case was specific to the disgusting words used by the Leader of the Opposition against two women, there is a toxicity in our public dialogue today that serves no good purpose and that needs to be addressed.
“I would like to see Bermudians use this case as an opportunity to do better, to leave behind language that attacks, corrodes and abuses for language that supports, builds and unites. That’s where the future lies.
“All of us can learn from our mistakes and from the mistakes of others. This court case is a good opportunity to do so, not just for Mr. Bean.”
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HA HA HA HA HA
LOL
What a waste of time.
I wonder if the phrase 10 cents a lick will become common parlance like “Hey Bie whats happening”?
Yes an abundance 10 cents licks for the Bermudian public taxes has been spent with all the court proceedings.
What a Big Waste of Our Tax -Payers Money on a non case of Political fighting.
DUNKLEY give it a break……recall your own use if bad words in the House of Assembly…..about a female in our commubity…and the other MPS.
What a waste of time because someone got their feelings hurts…..really …..if everyone took someone court everytime they called them a name ……the court would never be free….
Get back to more serious things like #Jobsjobsjobsjobsjobs
$100,000 bonus for Hanbury.
Why you re-branded yourself Kunta?
I’m not so sure that you should be criticising the judicial system Mr Dunkley. Clearly there was no case for him to answer and the courts deemed that to be the case. If you feel that so,etching should have been done then you have the powers, as the ruling party, to bring about change. Let’s see what you do.
U.B.P lost the bye election and they lost the case.
HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA
Is the Hon Premier forgetting the profanity he used in the House of Assembly?
His reputation as a political leader was tarnished when he openly admitted to giving his toddler daughter an illicit substance.
Well Bush and Obama admitted smoking.
What illicit substance? Father John? Stinging Nettles? Ginger Root? Oh I get it. You mean Cannabis!! That plant that was made illegal for none other than corporate greed? The Healing Of The Nation? That illicit substance? Wake up pill popper!!!!!!!!
The last thing the people of Bermuda need is your mind, Bean!
surprise, surprise..
Not really. What I would be surprise is to not see any legal action taken against the two One Bermuda Alliance representative for “defamation of character”
Or, “will we let a lying horse lie still”?
Except that then Mr. Bean would have to prove he didn’t say the things he alleges to have not said. This case simply said that if he had said what he is alleged to have said, that it wasn’t considered to be use of offensive language. And he would lose that, because everybody that was there knows what he said
And your point again is what.
He said them words.
Need a new judge (magistrate/Senior.)
Its open season now the judicial permission of political bad mouth language is now acceptable. Whats next how about political flip you the bird!
No wonder all the politicians need to record everything they say and any one who dares speak to them! Political whores even the judiciary is getting on the bank wagon with now the political chauvinist. No one on this island has any respect, honor or trust. Whats next?
Prove it, if not it’s all opinion.
Ray the only lying horse is the Jetgate MPS. …
Tell me again Mr. Bean how we are in “the fiscal condition that we find our country in.” My brain needs to be jogged a bit. Too many swizzles during Cup Match!
Can we take someone seriously, when they say “Because at this point, the people of this country require my mind to be dedicated to uplifting them in the future”, when in reality, he has been responsible for some of the most vitriol rhetoric in our political and social history. A good leader isn’t someone who speaks their mind… it is someone who speaks better than it.
A good leader is not intimidated by the powers that be.
If that kind of foul tirade against a woman constitutes a ‘spirited political exchange’ then Bean needs to consider getting out of politics. Disgusting
Shut Up!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The case may have been dismissed but in my opinion in the eyes of the public. Bean = chauvinistic
Hasn’t even apologized to Ms. Daniels ! so sad
Why?
Trust me the clowns in the OBA have called him worst names.I know because I was one of many clowns that voted/trusted the OBA. Like most fake people they removed the surrogates with the old bait and switch after the election.I actually thought it would rain milk, honey and money listening to the OBA.
Did Dunkley apologize to Kim Swan and his wife.
Ganja tea is nothing compared to cough medicine and over the counter medicine.
If you want an in depth study on the benefits of it Google Charlotte’s Web and not the children’s novel.
Grow up
Just goes to show yet again, it’s who you are that counts or not. Had that been someone else they would have been charged. Archie Warner just gave Marc Bean more reason to run his mouth. Lord help us all.
how stupid are you
A very true reflection, even if this had come before the courts as a result of Joe Public rather than Mr. Bean, and Mr. Warner had still, declared no case to answer, he would have still given Joe Public a mouthful about his disrespectful behaviour to women.
wow and there you go more money wasted!! now marc can go right back to running his chops like before. and so it goes!!! smh!!!!
No surprise. I didn’t see much traction with the alleged political whore comment but the 10 cents a lick bit, or the combination of the two, seemed outside any political reference.
Regardless, he’s managed to paint a pretty clear picture of himself in the past two years.
Agreed. To try and frame Mr. Bean’s comments as a political metaphor is weak. At no point did he allege that Ms. Daniels ever changed her political views or party support in order to advance anything. He was clearly using the term “political whore” to imply a certain effect, especially when coupled with his alleged “10c a lick” comment. I really don’t know how the PLP’s female delegates continue to support him.
Or their homosexual ones.
This verdict was to be expected based on the totality of the case,
So in the end the only question is, “Was it true?”
10 cents a lick I mean
If you got the right moves its free…as it should be…
So it wasn’t proven that Mr. Bean didn’t make those disgusting comments? (Which he repeated on radio sometime later.) Seems the magistrate simply thinks that in politics this sort of behavior is acceptable. A new low for Bermuda.
If there is no case there is no case. You can’t create laws and evidence to suit your motives.
Their “privilege” has mistakenly given them the mindset of the their way or no way…arrogant a****
I think everyone has a bit of arrogance at some point in their life.. Its called confidence. To some it may be a bit rude…LOL
Good! I’m glad! Hopefully this means Marc will remain the opposition leader a little longer so that he can continue to taint the PLP name so they do not get elected again!
Q: How much wood would a hatchet face chop if a hatchet face could chop wood?
A: A hatchet face would chop as much wood as a hatchet face could chop if a hatchet face could chop wood.
How much money have we wasted Mr. Premier on this? Do tell. We don’t have money for civil servants, for schools, for dentist, for roads, etc. but this government has money for this.
Grow up!
This wasn’t brought forward by the Government. This was a police complaint from one individual against another going to court. This has nothing to do with the Govt. Get it right.
In fairness, DPP (which falls under the Governor) decides if cases have merit to pursue, not the Premier.
A spirited political exchange? What a crock.
I hope he stays as PLP leader. He is bound to run his mouth again.
Imagine this guy as Premier???
“Castro”
Can you think how he would have done on Quest?
Couldn’t have done any worse than Dunkley did is my thought…
I just want al the proof he has of wrong doing to be true. If it’s all true, he wins this one. If nothing pans out, well now……..
This all was pointless, I may not like Bean but being taken to court for shouting at another politicion? That’s politics its the toxic back and forth of the system.
It’s a public place.
Marc Bean is not above the law.
Or.
He is.
Remember what you said about public places and the law the other day Terry? Now it is a problem when someone is “above the law”?
As an elected politician HE IS THE LAW maker/legislator!!!!This was silly and a total waste of public funds and time, do we not have freedom of speech or not?! one cent , five cents , ten cents dolla, dolla whine…da da dee da daa
I suppose it is ok with you if he said “10 cents a lick” to your mother, sister or wife.
Ok and court worthy are two different things. Toni Daniels constantly spews on social media and nobody is running her a** to court. Seems to me what’s good for the goose is not good for the gander. Regardless this was a complete waste of time.
this was a total waste of money for political purposes. if the DPP office pursues an appeal then they show us exactly what their motives are. Political persecution.
A judge has already ruled No case to answer.
I know you are a PLP stalwart, but do you really support such behaviour from your leader? Do you think that these are attributes of an individual that could lead our country one day?
Serious question.
@ Sad: Well, he / they better get the plough/s (according to Marc Bean) ready if the P.L.P. were to gain leadership anytime soon
Thank God I do have options and I’m not confined,(as many others are)to the Island
I’d rather live off the land and control my destiny than to leave it to your/our devil disfunctional leadership.
So yes bring on the plough so that the strong can rise to the top.
No It was not a responsible comment, and definitely not one that you will expect of a leader. Leaders should have the composure to keep their emotions in check regardless of the situation..
As far as as being competent to be the leader, certainly as Marc is a very very intelligent and thorough man.. Since the OBA chose Craig Cannonier to be the leader, I have since lost all respect I had for the ability of those who may hold this position in the future,, my 2 cents.
Mark is like Donald Trump, a total %$%^&*(
Can you wear his shoes go lie down
Pick another name, this one is already taken!
Yet Trump has the highest rating…..
Honest and out spoken
Does anyone really think that such language and approaches to your opposition is becoming of a leader? It isn’t just this incident, but a culmination of his remarks side becoming the Oppositon leader. Including to those within the PLP that he feels he has no use for anymore (I.e. lister, Horton et al).
There are ao many better options within the PLP’s ranks. It is hard to understand why they continue to allow this ‘gentleman’ to continue on with his nasty rants unabated. How did the PLP go from respectable individuals such as Alex Scott and Paula Cox to Marc Bean.
We preach the need for unity in the community and against gang mentality in the public then turn around and support such behaviour from one of our political ‘leaders.’ His language only accentuates the divide and has contributed immensely to the political environment he speaks of.
Sorry but there are much more qualified individuals within the PLP that should be in Mr. Bean’s position.
Sad thing is there will be support for his rhetoric and actions from some people. But I bet these supporters would be the first to condemn and level threats at someone who spoke in such a manner to one of their family members and/or friends.
Politics in Bermuda is in the gutter.
Knew that would be the outcome.
However, all women know about the Opposition Leader!
Politics.
Rip Bermuda.
Wow , what’s going on here ? 16 remarks thus far and no prophetic , ‘I told you so ‘ pearls of wisdom from one of the 17 Bettys
What a waste of time & money!!! How many hundreds of thousands? any guesses? Oh well, MB will stay as Opposition Leader, & that is a good thing for the OBA.
Congratulations to my Leader Marc Bean….now lets get on with the work. Get OBA OUT!!!!
And you think the PLP has a plan to fix their mess?
Ummm, you do realize that the “fiscal condition we find our country in” that Bean speaks of is thanks to him and PLP, do you not? ‘Course you don’t…
Blind. Sheep. Follow. Herd. Baaaaaahhhhhhhhh.
Seems the OBA has no plan either.
You’re “watching”? Good grief…get a better pair of glasses and while you’re at it, get your head out of the sand!
Some are and no-matter how wrong, will continue to be led by the nose.
All of them actuall on both sides.
Your leader, some months ago:
“They just tried to describe me as a misogynist. For those who don’t know what a misogynist is, a misogynist is a man who has a dislike or hatred for women. But, Sherri, wasn’t it two years ago they were accusing me of being homophobic? So how can I be homophobic and hate women? They can’t have it both ways.”
I think he can be whatever flies thoughtlessly and uncontrollably out of his mouth. At other times he is whatever comes strategically out. Often there is little to distinguish the two.
The work should not be to get the OBA out, but to support the positive the OBA is doing, draw attention to the legitmate negative things they’re doing (not the imagined and demonised things) and work at bringing the PLP back to the golden days when they were a viable party with good ideas and good people and a plan beyond ‘just get in power’.
Bermuda needs both a good Government and a good Opposition, and voting that is not based on skin colour lines.
Agreed
Pie in the sky. Bermuda will never be like the utopia you envision until the bones are drug out of the closet. Some shy from that day because they know the wickedness behind the privileged life they live.
On what grounds was it dismissed?
I’m just curious.
–
“because of the simple fact that even as the Opposition Leader, Mr. Bean has the right to express his views to anyone, especially a rival politician who personally attacks the politics in his party.
“That’s all it was. It was a spirited political exchange.”
–
This seems to suggest that Mr. Bean said what was alleged, but that it was perfectly okay for him to do so.
I don’t mind political back and forth, but the terms supposedly used, crossed the line on that I believe.
–
But it’s done, let’s move on, and hope that Mr. Bean means the last of his comments recorded above.
I wonder if the verdict would have been the same in front of a female magistrate? I’m not knocking Archie Warner personally but he hasn’t stood in the same shoes as us women who get verbally abused by the likes of Mr Bean under the guise of “only joking” for far too long.
INDEED! It is a sad day for women in Bermuda and more for women in Politics in Bermuda!
One can hope that the verdict would have been the same given the Magistrate’s are supposed to go by law not emotion, but I do understand your question.
Myself, I wouldn’t have made a big deal of the comment given the source.
It was political speech – rightly or wrongly – the most protected speech of all…
Whether or not the case was successful in Court, or if it should be been brought at all, we must ask if Mr. Bean’s behavior—which he did not deny—is befitting of a Premier in waiting. I think not.
“That’s all it was. It was a spirited political exchange” – I wonder if one of his female associates was called a ten cent lick, would he still be as nonchalant?
So! We can now expect this type of language/ behaviour to be prevalent at the next election. What do the female MPs and Senators think about this judgment? Are they hoping that it doesn’t to them?
The precedent has been set. Sad!
****happen****
Congratulation to the current leader of the PLP for following in Dr. Brown’s footsteps: Unethical but not illegal…for now anyway…
Congrats Marc Bean. Just know that there are people rooting for you. Some people value a politician who speaks their mind and tells the truth. Instead of being a puppet and saying what people want to hear…
really? like you then.
You are def N/A!!
Some might suggest that this mirrors the positive sentiments many Americans have about Donald Trump. Tread cautiously, PLP supporters.
and pbanks you have just exposed yourself as an OBAer….
Bean is a rasta at heart Nothing compared to Trump….
LOL, sorry, Im just one of the few politically unaffiliated people posting here who’s fed up with the political machinery and Us vs Them nonsense.
As for Bean vs Trump comparison, if you don’t see the similarity in some of the words they speak and the reactions of their supporters, oh well. Even Betty above showed admiration for both persons’ “honesty”.
And maybe that rings well among the party support base, but it may damage their prospects at winning the votes of independents and (disillusioned) opposition party supporters who’d prefer to see a bit more tact and diplomacy vs shooting off at the mouth.
That’s exactly what many right wing conservatives on the USA state when they support Donald Trump and all his flippant and divisive remarks.
You PLP supporters swing a little further to the right everyday.
Hate gays
Hate foreigners
Hate people of differing ideologies
Use of inflammatory language against perceived and real opposition
How ironic that a party that labels themselves as Progressive is the most regressive Party on island. What’s even more ironic is that your mindset is the absolute antithesis of President Obama’s despite your supposed support for the gentleman.
Bermuda’s own tea party is essentially what you guys have now become. No denying it no matter how much you try.
That’s funny because I’m a gay man and I don’t see the oba trying to help me marry my boyfriend. I have spoken to both sides and neither party is accomodating my request.
The OBA enshrined gay rights into our human rights code.
Many PLP representatives voted against it.
The PLP leader stated you lot are upending civilisation while others called you guys freaks and an abomination.
Yeah I can see how you can correlate the two stances.
One word – Idiot!
Bye, OBA time to go!
been time,
so you think his conduct was acceptable??
What a waste of time and money this trial was! The prosecutors of this island have to stop threatening people with criminal action for being rude or insulting, or using “bad words”. This is the 21st century, not some Jane Austen novel.
Bean didn’t even apologize for his selection of words …tells a lot about the man….and those who believe he was right ….
This was definitely a waste of time coming to court over name calling….. yes what he said wasn’t appropriate but if you know that you are not a “political whore” why worry yourself. In political world is a lot of name calling and under handed ish… its just time for it to be one government where everyone is on the same page and non of this he said she said BS!
“first of all I would like to give thanks to God and his protection”.
Must be a demi-God.
Reeks of cedar beam dust.
So God does nothing while Mr. Bean makes disgusting comments then provides him with “guidance and protection”.
Wow!
I am not surprised at the comments above! Many of you OBA supporters are delusional and have no clue how the court system works in this country. Even after all the prosecution witnesses came to give evidence, conflicting evidence mind you, you all still make ignorant comments on the matter. The Judge made a decision based on the Law, if you can’t accept that get out of dodge. You want to speak about unfair? why was Nandi Davis-Outerbridge never prosecuted after being arrested. It is time to look in the mirror. That certainly goes for all OBA people including the most vile of you who are now blogging under an alias.
Same with you who won’t post your FULL name!
recent remarks from the opposition leader… “ladies of the night !!!!!! . etc…. what is this mans problem with women ? people can you imagine this guy being the leader of our Island ? God help us . get your passports in order …
It is just sad, OBA supporter only see one color green, it is more to life than money can not wait to get them (OBA) of power with the arrogant selves
Please provide some support for your comments. Why does the OBA “only see one colour green” and why are they “arrogant selves”?
Toni was right ! Peter Tosh classic , I AM THAT I AM , I AM ,I AM ,I AM ! She is not in this world to live up to anyone’s expectations , nor is Mark!
But was it “Political Correctness “..?? Coming from a Politician. I personally think the scales of Justice needs to be recalibrated.
So much crap here.
The court dismissed the case.
Meaning what.
The case was heard.
Was he found not guilty?
Why not a statement like I said above.
If it was “dismissed” why was it heard.
You follow right?
Was the complaint withdrawn?
Evidence was given so what’s with this.
This is outrageous.
OK, that case is over, now we can all just “let it go”… Though I know you won’t.
a potentially interesting question – if someone was in court before the learned magistrate and told him that his decision was as a result of him being a “political whore” one wonders how long he would take before finding you in contempt of court – so if thats offensive but it isn’t to call a woman that same phrase in public please explain the difference to me!!??
what is interesting – and worrying – is that 7 people disliked this comment – really??? You think calling a woman a “political whore” ISNT offensive???
This whole thing was stupid from the get go, but shows a lot about Bean who won’t even still apologize regardless of free speech, etc…
Marc Bean like Donald Trump has no respect for women and should not be in politics. Can you imagine either one leading a country!
Mark Bean is clearly a world class statesman…. The PLP should lobby to have a suitable building or organisation named after him – perhaps the ‘Marc Bean Woman’s Resource Centre’!!!
The judge has declared open season on insulting women as long as they are in a political enviroment.
What next?
Bean may have trotted out of court declared ‘not guilty’ by the judge but in the court of public opinion it is a different call.
Can the term political whore be used in this contexts? I looked it up in the Ncarta World English Dictionary and here is what it said under the term whore;” offensive term used to refer to a prostitute”; but it goes on to stage this;” An offensive term used to refer to somebody who is regarded as willingly setting aside principles or personal integrity to obtain sth; usually for selfish motives”.The English language can often be turn on it’s head with multiple meanings; but can the term political whore be used in the political contexts? You decide.
The late great Peter Tosh sang a wonderful song that sums up Marc Bean …. I Am That I Am ! Go day Marc , Go day !
Why would the person found to have no case to answer apologize? Should not the ones that brought the case to court, and lost, (snicker) not apologize for the waste of time and money that ensued? It was quite an awful train wreck in court by the looks of it, when placed under oath the truth came out, and conflicting stories from the same side allegedly emerged about what happened on the day in question. The case was thrown out because even the law that was used to intimidate saw that the charges were pack of nonsense, and that my friends is a fact.
Ps. Loving the quick response from the sitting Premier I was expecting it to take about a week or two.
The part that many are missing is this case has been to the courts & dismissed with no ascertained proof to there being any evidence that the accused statements given to Mr.Bean to even be true (thus why it’s clearly still being referred to as alleged in the article above). Though it’s obvious that this fact doesn’t mean a thing to those with political motives as shown in these posts of people who are still running with these statements as being true.
Let it be clear before some with polarized glasses on either side of our local political spectrum decides to chime in on my above statement that I stand by no political party so I am in no way showing any political bias either way on this matter. All I am stating is this case has been before the courts now & the case hasn’t been proven either way so to run with either side of these alleged statements as facts based on the outcome of this case is just wrong & nothing more than personal opinion. The only admission to this case by Mr. Richardson was that there was a “spirited political exchange” however there is no details on the content of this exchange ever given so this leaves everything up to speculation & personal opinion yet this doesn’t seem to stop some here to forward their opinions as facts.
Just my personal opinion for what it’s worth (which is no more than any other personal opinion expressed here) since the facts of the allegations of this case hasn’t been proven either way.
Very sad that these are our so called leaders. A ‘spirited’ political exchange….wow!! No, that’s not it at all. And people wonder why the youth have absolutely no respect. This is exactly what we want to reach our young men…call women names and just use the excuse that it was a ‘spirited’ exchange. Be LEADERS! The youth are looking up at YOU. Very sad, very sad.
2017 …. lets see how the electorate in his constituency feel about his track record. And Donald Dump for President!!!!
Absolutely disgusting, nothing to do with politics, just total disrespect for women. The usual pattern for the individual concerned. Defamation of character for Ms Daniels how did this result in no case to answer?
Poured a little water on my soul. All right. I am not pleased as you can imagine….