(In the aftermath of the high-profile trials of politicians Frank Smith and Shane Gibson, both of whom were acquitted, a friend sent me this historic reminder – documented in BAHAMIANOLOGY, an online feature that chronicles history-making events in The Bahamas – that I simply had to share with readers of BAHAMAS CHRONICLE. It was sent to me with the following message: “As a non-attorney I am amazed at how the attached contrasts with the manner of prosecution in the Frank Smith Case and the Shane Gibson case.)
In 1943, the most accomplished lawyer in the Bahamas was the Honourable Alfred Francis Adderley. With 25 years of experience to his credit, Adderley’s legal genius, razor sharp mind and crisp British educated mannerisms assured that when the highly challenging, most high profile cases came along, they were given to him – the best legal mind in the Colony.
Adderley’s legal expertise was confirmed by the Colony’s executive branch, after it was approved that he, as Assistant Prosecutor and not the lead prosecutor, would present the case for Crown.
After the arrest of scoundrel son-in-law, Alfred de Marigny, for the murder of millionaire, Sir Harry Oakes, (committed sometime between the evening hours of July 7th and early morning hours of 8th July 1943), the Hon. A. F. Adderley, was chosen to be Assistant Prosecutor.
As the trial concluded, its thoroughly unexpected outcome catapulted this haunting murder case to the top spot of incredible crimes in Bahamian history. Despite overwhelming evidence presented in court, aided by the best legal minds and investigators, the murder of Sir Oakes remains unsolved to this very day. The accused, Marie Alfred Fouquereaux de Marigny, was acquitted of all charges by a jury of his peers.
Full transcript, of A. F. Adderley’s opening statement for the prosecution is presented below.
