Tonight, twenty-eight-year-old Troy Banner stands accused of killing his own child. This morning in Belmopan, Banner was arraigned on a single charge of manslaughter for allegedly causing the death of two-month-old baby Thevane, who died of injuries consistent with Battered Child Syndrome. The prosecution objected to bail due to the seriousness of the crime. Banner’s attorney Hurl Hamilton argued that he is presumed innocent until proven guilty. Hamilton also told the court that there is no evidence against his client. After considering all factors, the magistrate granted Banner bail of ten thousand dollars, plus two sureties. Baby Thevane was rushed to the Western Regional Hospital on Saturday after he began experiencing respiratory difficulties. Doctors attempted to resuscitate the child but their efforts proved futile. A post mortem examination revealed that baby Thevane suffered a fracture to the head and back, multiple skull fracture and head trauma. Banner is accusing the hospital of causing Thevane’s death. Hamilton spoke to the media after Banner’s arraignment.
Hurl Hamilton
Hurl Hamilton, Attorney for Troy Banner
“For Mr. Banner to receive bail on the presumption of innocence and other factors must be taken into consideration other than the seriousness of the offence as the cogency of the evidence that the police have so far. In my respectful view there isn’tany evidence so far. So base on that the magistrate was inclined to grant bail in the sum ten thousand dollars and two sureties. What happens now is that the defendant needs two persons to come and do the bail for him. It is sign bail. So he is waiting there until the bail is process and I assume he can leave thereafter. In terms of granting bail, those are not factors, several other factors are taken into consideration when granting bail. I was just retained late last night so I would not want to get into the Ifs or the maybe.”
Troy Banner
Reporter
“Sir, was the social outcry as it relates to the nature of the situation, was that taken into consideration?”
Hurl Hamilton
“I would want to think so. That is the reason that the prosecution objected. But there is always the presumption of innocence. It is unfortunate that a child has died. We cannot get away from that fact. But if anybody or who is responsible that is yet to be determined. I assume that the police investigation is very, very young at this stage.”
The matter was adjourned to September fourth.