Media Summary – DPP v Devin Richardson
The High Court of Justice of St. Christopher and Nevis has convicted Devin Richardson on three counts of attempting to pervert the course of justice, following a detailed judgment delivered by Mr. Justice Patrick Thompson Jr on 12 May 2026.
The case arose from Mr. Richardson’s interactions with a woman, identified in court as Ms. Browne, who had previously made a rape complaint against another individual. The court found that Mr. Richardson repeatedly approached Ms. Browne in October 2023 and offered her money in return for signing a document withdrawing or discontinuing her complaint.
In his written reasons for verdict, Justice Thompson Jr found that Mr. Richardson proposed sums ranging from $10,000 to $50,000, suggesting that Ms. Browne could take the money discreetly and bring the matter to an end. The judge concluded that these actions were a deliberate attempt to interfere with the administration of justice, even though no money was ultimately paid and the case was not withdrawn.
Covert Recording Considered Key Evidence
A central feature of the prosecution’s case was a covert audio recording made by Ms. Browne during a meeting with Mr. Richardson on 13 October 2023. The recording, and an agreed transcript, captured discussions about payment in exchange for ending the case. The judge described the recording as “a damning indictment” and found that it clearly demonstrated a “quid pro quo” arrangement – money in exchange for silence.
Justice Thompson rejected arguments that Mr. Richardson was merely confused or not applying pressure. Instead, he found that the repeated calls, messages, time pressure, and the existence of a pre-prepared document showed a persistent and intentional effort to undermine the justice process.
Witness Found Credible and Reliable
The court accepted Ms. Browne as a credible and reliable witness, noting that large portions of her evidence were not challenged by the defence. The judge highlighted her careful documentation of phone calls and messages and found no basis to conclude that her evidence was unreliable under the Evidence Act.
The court also heard evidence from a police officer confirming the existence of an arrest warrant related to the underlying complaint, strengthening the finding that Mr. Richardson was acting with knowledge of possible or pending legal proceedings.
Legal Principles Emphasized
In explaining the law, Justice Thompson Jr. noted that:
• A person can commit the offence of perverting the course of justice even if no miscarriage of justice actually occurs.
• Proceedings do not need to be underway or imminent.
• The offence can be committed before, during, or after an investigation, provided there is intent and a real risk to justice.
The judge also found that Mr. Richardson’s conduct was dishonest by ordinary standards, applying the legal test set out in cases.
Call for Further Investigation
In a postscript to the judgment, Justice Thompson called for an investigation into any lawyer or lawyers who may have drafted the document shown to Ms. Browne without her instructions. He ordered that copies of the decision be sent to the Registrar, the Attorney General, and the Commissioner of Police for their attention.
Mr. Richardson, who has no previous criminal convictions, was found guilty on all three counts. Mr. Richardson was remanded into custody as bail after conviction is exceptional and no exceptional grounds were advanced by his lawyer for his bail to continue.
Attempting to pervert the course of imprisonment is an extremely serious offence, punishable by a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
The sentencing hearing in this matter is fixed for Monday June 29, 2026.
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