A 30-year-old Virgin Gorda man has been arrested and charged in connection with an assault involving a minor — an incident that was caught on a video that circulated widely and sparked public concern, police said.
The matter was reported on Jan. 15, according to police, who insisted that officers responded with “urgency.”
“As a result, Mr. Vidal Farrington, 30, of The Valley, Virgin Gorda, was arrested and charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm,” according to a press release issued by the Police Information Office on Jan. 21.
Mr. Farrington was granted bail, and he is scheduled to appear before the Magistrates’ Court on March 26, according to police.
The investigation
Acting Police Commissioner Richard Ullger acknowledged the public outcry that resulted from the video.
“We understand the level of concern this incident has generated within the community, particularly given the nature of the footage circulated,” he said in the press release. “While public reaction is understandable, I urge members of the public to allow the investigative and judicial processes to take their course. The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force remains committed to ensuring that matters of this nature are handled thoroughly, fairly and in accordance with the law.”
‘Further trauma’
The police also urged residents not to share violent or sensitive content, especially when minors are involved.
“This may cause further trauma to victims and potentially impact the investigation,” the press release stated. “Members of the public are urged to report incidents directly to the police and to allow the justice system to take its course.”
Anyone with information that may assist a police investigation can contact the Intelligence Unit at 368-9339 or the anonymous Crime Stoppers hotline at 800- 8477 (TIPS) locally or 284-800- 8477 from overseas.