Bail denied again for man charged with murder of former legislator in Bahamas

NASSAU, Bahamas, CMC – A court in the Bahamas has again denied bail to Jaico Choute, who is accused of the murder of former opposition Free National Movement legislator Donald Saunders.

Justice of Appeal president, Jon Issacs, told Choute that he will remain in custody as his appeal was denied, even as he said that did not preclude him from seeking bail again.

The court said it will give the reason for its decision at a later date.

This is the second time that the courts have denied bail to Choute, one of two men charged with the murder.

In August, Justice Neil Brathwaite denied him bail and remanded him into custody for his safety.

Prosecutors allege that Choute and Nicarson Nixon killed Saunders while they attempted to rob him on March 27, while he was at a bar.

Choute's lawyer, Miranda Adderley, argued that there was no evidence that her client's life was in danger, adding that it would be unfair to keep Choute in custody as his trial is set for June 21, 2027.

She said that this would mean he would be awaiting trial for more than three years and that based on her experience it's unlikely that a backup trial date set for 2026 would proceed.

However, the prosecutor, Darnell Dorsette, defended the judge's decision to refuse bail.

Follow The Gleaner on X, formerly Twitter, and Instagram @JamaicaGleaner and on Facebook @GleanerJamaica. Send us a message on WhatsApp at 1-876-499-0169 or email us at onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com or editors@gleanerjm.com.