Bail denied to police constable and girlfriend in Jerbiah Paul investigation

Police Constable Patrick Bethelmie Jr. and his girlfriend, Jolie-Ana Naomi James, have been denied bail as investigators continue probing the death of Portsmouth teenager Jerbiah Paul.

Bethelmie, 23, of Bense, and James of Lagoon, Portsmouth, appeared before the Roseau Magistrate’s Court on Friday, September 4, where their applications for bail were considered.

Both have been charged with perverting the course of justice and possession of ammunition without a valid licence in connection with the ongoing investigation into Paul’s death.

James was charged on August 31. She pleaded not guilty to the ammunition charge, while she was not required to enter a plea to the indictable charge of perverting the course of justice. Her bail hearing was subsequently scheduled for September 4.

Paul was reported missing on July 24. On August 12, severely decomposed remains were discovered in a precipice in Capuchin. Police subsequently linked the remains to the missing teenager, although they specified that DNA testing was required for confirmation.

The investigation has so far led to charges against six people. Four of those charged are police officers, and two are civilian women, with all six being held on remand at the Dominica State Prison as the investigation continues.

The case remains before the courts, and investigations are ongoing.