Ascension : Police Activity Report
Submitted by The Islander (Gavin Yon) 10.03.2005 (Article Archived on 24.03.2005)

The Police service received a total of 197 reports for the year 2004,

Reports received by Police

The Police service received a total of 197 reports for the year 2004, at present the number of reports that we have received for period ending February 2005 are 27, of these reports 2 are currently under investigation, and another pending a decision.

Visit to Detachment by Attorney General

The Attorney General Mr Ken Baddon made a visit to Ascension in January 2005; during this visit he reviewed all our 2004 Case Files.   We have a close working relationship with the Attorney General, who is responsible for all prosecutions and court related matters for Ascension, during the Joint Fisheries and Police investigation into the Illegal Fishing activities of the Suffolk Challenger we had a unique opportunity to work with him here on the island.

Illegal Fishing Investigation

                                         
                                              Suffolk Challenger  
The investigation into the Suffolk Challenger was just that, a challenge, the Suffolk challenger a long line fishing vessel came into our harbour in January 2005, a joint investigation was initiated by our Fisheries Officer Mrs Tara Pelembe, into the vessel’s activities.  The captain, one Ricardo Lopez Calvar a Spanish national was detained ashore at HM Prison whilst the investigation was conducted.  During the course of the investigation, the vessel was ordered to remain in our harbour until the conclusion of proceedings; however the vessel disobeyed the order and left our harbour unlawfully.

Mr Lopez Calvar was convicted on 3^rd February 2005 of 2 counts of Illegal Fishing within our Fishery Limits; he was repatriated on the next available flight. 

 

The detachment is grateful for the support received from many officers and colleagues, all of whom contributed towards bringing the matter to a successful conclusion.

Fishing Vessel
                                          

Another fishing vessel, Captiao Jose Vilarinho came into our harbour on Monday 21^st February 2005; this vessel was boarded as usual by Harbour, HM Customs, and Immigration Officials and by Fishery Officers. Enquiries were completed and the vessel cleared to leave our Harbour. 

Staff

                                     

On 16^th February 2005, Constable Jill Roberts resigned from the St Helena Police Service and accompanied her family back to the Falkland Islands; PC Roberts joined us in July 2004, PC Roberts had adapted well and was a valuable asset to our detachment.  We wish Jill, and her family well. 

Constable Frederick Wade is currently on leave in St Helena, he is scheduled to return on Sunday 13^th March 2005. 

 

Contributed by Sgt J Thomas