The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Staff Reporter 

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

A MAGISTRATE has formally accused the chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority, a top PLP lawyer, of misconduct, alleging he encouraged his client to walk out of court during an ongoing trial, a claim the lawyer strongly denies as both sides call for investigations.

Senior Stipendiary and Circuit Magistrate Aniska Isaacs, in an April 9, 2026 letter to the Bahamas Bar Association’s Ethics Committee obtained by The Tribune, said attorney Devard Francis may have breached professional standards during proceedings on April 8. The matter involved several defendants, including Albert Ferguson.

According to the complaint, Mr Francis entered the case at a late stage and sought an adjournment, citing commitments in another court. Magistrate Isaacs said she refused the request because the trial was advanced and a key prosecution witness was present.

She alleged that Mr Francis became upset after the ruling, indicated he would leave the courtroom, and encouraged his client to do the same despite the court directing the defendant to remain. While the defendant initially stayed, he later left without authorisation. A warrant was issued after he failed to return.

Magistrate Isaacs said the attorney’s conduct may have contributed to the defendant’s departure and asked the Ethics Committee to investigate whether disciplinary action is warranted. She also indicated that court records and surveillance footage are being obtained.

Mr Francis has denied the allegations and challenged the magistrate’s account.

He also questioned how the complaint was handled, alleging it was circulated publicly and shared with media to embarrass him.

In a separate April 10 letter to Chief Justice Ian Winder, Mr Francis set out his version of events and requested an investigation.

He said he was instructed to appear shortly before the hearing and told the court he was already scheduled in the Supreme Court on another serious matter. He said he asked for the case to be adjourned or stood down, but the request was refused.

Mr Francis said he indicated his intention to withdraw, left the courtroom, and later reported the matter to the Chief Magistrate, who he said granted permission for both him and his client to withdraw.

He further alleged the magistrate continued the trial in his absence, heard the final prosecution witness, and denied his client the chance to cross-examine or present a defence. He also raised concerns about the issuance of the arrest warrant and the subsequent handling of the case.

Mr Francis said his client was later convicted and questioned by the magistrate, which he described as irregular. He also claimed the defendant was brought back before the court on later dates without clear legal basis and was reprimanded in connection with the incident and his complaint.

He is asking for the matter to be reviewed, arguing the proceedings were unfair and raising concerns about judicial conduct. He also said another attorney has raised similar concerns in separate correspondence.

The Tribune could not reach Bahamas Bar Association President Kahlil Parker up to press time.