Jones facing extradition

A Barbadian man wanted by the Canadian authorities will know on Friday if he will be extradited.

Errol Vivian Jones, 64, of Bridgefield, St Thomas, will have his time in the District ‘D’ Magistrates’ Court on January 18, after Magistrate Douglas Frederick offered him bail in the sum of $15 000 and adjourned the matter when he appeared in the District ‘A’ Magistrates’ Court today.

Acting Deputy Director of Prosecution Anthony Blackman who appeared on behalf of the Crown revealed that Jones was residing in Canada when he was convicted of drug-related offences on November 11, 1993 and August 31, 1994.

As a result, he was ordered to serve a term of imprisonment of six years, four months and seven days, or 2319 days.

However, after serving 1430 days in prison Jones was released on full parole. As part of his conditions he was required to periodically report to his probation officer. But on October 10, 1997, Jones failed to report, leading to warrants of suspension and apprehension being issued by the Correctional Services of Canada.

By breaching the conditions of his parole it meant he was automatically required to complete the remaining 889 days of his sentence.

Jones was able to evade Canadian authorities and travelled back to Barbados. Through the diplomatic channels, Canadian authorities made a request for Jones to be extradited.

After hearing the details of the case, Frederick adjourned the matter until Friday, where Jones is scheduled to reappear in the St Thomas court.