Mugshot of Alickson Bernard. By. THE VIRGIN ISLANDS POLICE DEPARTMENT
ST. THOMAS — A man has been granted bail on domestic violence charges on the condition that he abide by a 7:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. curfew and a strict no-contact order.
Alickson Bernard, a Dominica national residing in the USVI has been charged with simple assault and battery categorized as domestic violence. If convicted, he can face a maximum of six months imprisonment, a maximum fine of $250, or both. Bernard is also charged with disturbance of the peace — an offense which carries a maximum fine of $100, ninety days imprisonment, or both.
It is alleged that on Saturday, September 18th at about 3:00 a.m., Bernard went to the residence of his ex-girlfriend, where he entered her bedroom and woke her. The victim said Bernard turned on the lights and told her that he needed to speak with her, at which point she got out of bed and went to the kitchen. Bernard followed his ex-girlfriend into the kitchen and allegedly began pushing her in the chest using both hands and slapping her about the face.
The alleged victim told police officers that Bernard asked, “Why you don't wanna be with me, why we not together?” as he continued pushing and hitting her. According to the probable cause fact sheet, the victim returned to her bedroom and the accused left her residence after a female relative came into the kitchen. However, the victim said he returned to her home shortly after and came back into her bedroom where another altercation ensued. The woman said Bernard threatened her, stating, “I will do you like that girl over Home Depot,” referring to a woman who was shot and killed last month.
The victim further stated that as she bent to retrieve her phone from the ground, Bernard grabbed her around the neck and pulled her up. The commotion prompted the relative to enter the room and push Bernard, at which point he removed his hands from the woman’s neck. She then went into the kitchen to call 911. The accused would later leave the woman’s home when he saw police vehicles on the roadway outside the house.
The responding officers noted that they did not observe any injuries or markings to the alleged victim’s neck or face. While officers conducted a search of the area, they did not find Bernard. However, the officers were called back to the scene moments after their departure, when the woman reported that Bernard was outside her gate. The officers subsequently returned to the scene where they detained Bernard.
At Monday’s hearing Attorney Brenda Scales, appearing for the people, requested that bail be set at $1000 with no 10 percent provision. Scales noted her concern that Bernard could be a flight risk as he has no citizenship within the territory and is self-employed. However, Public Defender Alexia Furlow argued that there was no indication that the defendant would attempt to flee, particularly as he has no travel documents since his passport had been damaged. Furlow therefore requested that the defendant be allowed to post 10 percent of the bail amount or an unsecured bond.
Judge Carolyn Hermon- Percell noted that Bernard had no criminal history which suggested that he was a danger to the community, and that conditions could be imposed to ensure his ex- girlfriend’s safety. Bail was consequently set at $1000 with provisions for the posting of 15 percent of the amount. Noting the time of the alleged assault, the Judge further subjected Bernard to a 7:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. curfew and a strict condition that he maintain a minimum 10 feet distance from the alleged victim at all times.
A third party must also be identified to serve as an intermediary between the alleged victim and the accused so that they can communicate on matters related to their young child.
