Governor Julia Crouch has submitted a request to the French authorities in Paris seeking the return of attempted murder accused Justin Skerritt Riley to Anguilla to stand trial.
She also revealed in a press release on 13 August, that an independent investigation has been conducted into the circumstances of his escape from custody just weeks after he was arrested.
It identifies a series of recommendations for urgent improvements to internal security procedures and practices at the prison. It will not be made public.
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Skerritt Riley was arrested after being restrained by a member of the public following a shooting at a Rock Farm apartment complex on 15 July that left three people injured.
He was charged with 20 offences including two counts of attempted murder and held at His Majesty’s Prison in The Valley as he awaited trial.
The 19-year-old from Stoney Ground escaped custody of prison guards on 29 July while being treated at the psychiatric ward of Princess Alexandra Hospital.
He was detained on 5 August in St Martin under an active Interpol Red Notice, which alerted law enforcement agencies worldwide of his escape.
He was later transferred to a prison in Guadeloupe where he remains in the custody of French authorities pending further legal steps.
In her press release, the governor said she submitted the request for the young man’s return on 13 August and added: “I anticipate that it is likely to take some time.”
She said that given ongoing legal proceedings, “I will not be able to provide a running commentary on Mr Skerritt Riley’s case”.
Escape investigation
Crouch said that following the incident she “immediately commissioned an independent investigation into the circumstances of the escape”.
“I recognise the huge level of anxiety this escape caused for the community and the significant impact on police and prison resources at one of the busiest times of the year,” the governor said.
She said a senior member of His Majesty’s Prison Service in the UK was in Anguilla last week to conduct that investigation and she has now received their draft report.
The report identifies a series of recommendations for urgent improvements to internal security procedures and practices at the prison, she said.
“I have discussed those recommendations with the prison superintendent who has been fully supportive of the review,” the governor continued.
“She and senior officers in the prison will be working to implement those recommendations, reporting to my office, as a top priority over the coming days and weeks.”
Crouch said that given the detailed analysis of prison security measures she is “not able” to make the report public.
Thanks
Along with recommendations, the report also praised the response of individual prison officers in the immediate aftermath of Skerritt Riley’s escape, the governor said.
She went on to say she is “hugely grateful” to the police commissioner, members of the Royal Anguilla Police Force, and officers from HMP Anguilla who worked hard to identify the escapees whereabouts.
“I am also grateful to our French and Dutch law enforcement counterparts who worked so closely with the Royal Anguilla Police Force on this case,” she said.
She added that she wanted to pay a particular tribute to the many members of the public who provided “invaluable intelligence” to the police.
“It was truly heartening to see our community come together to support the police efforts in this way – they played a vital role in his recapture,” Crouch said.
Anyone with information on criminal activity in Anguilla can call police on 911, (264) 497-2333 or 497-5333, or leave an anonymous message, video or photo at secureaxa.com
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