The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

FREEPORT - A Freeport man was charged yesterday in the Freeport Magistrate’s Court with making threats to the Immigration Department.

Michael Stapledon, also known as Michael Miller, 39, of No 93 Gambier Drive, appeared in Court One before Magistrate Debbye Ferguson. He was charged with six counts of threats by writing.

It is alleged that on April 29, at Freeport, the accused left a threatening handwritten letter on the window of a Bahamas Immigration bus, warning officers to stay off his premises. The vehicle was parked at the C A Smith Government office Complex.

Stapledon pleaded not guilty to the charges and was remanded to prison in New Providence until September 8.

• Last night, Minister of Immigration Fred Mitchell reminded people when dealing with an immigration officer to be courteous and allow the officers to exercise their duties.

“Officers are trained to be courteous to the public,” Mr Mitchell said. “It is a serious offence to threaten or attack anyone, much less an officer of the law. Threats of harm are taken seriously where made against immigration officers.”