Dr Brown welcomes probe, vows to help

FRIDAY, JUNE 17: Former Premier Ewart Brown last night welcomed a police probe into allegations against him made in court.

Dr Brown said: “I wish to make it crystal clear that I welcome that investigation and will assist in whatever way I can.”

He was speaking after businessman David Bolden made allegations in evidence during a Supreme Court trial where he and his wife Antoinette were facing theft and other charges.

Bolden also claimed an un-named government minister had approached him on behalf of Dr Brown.

Dr Brown said: “I challenge Bolden or anyone else to repeat that allegation in public without the protection afforded by the system that says no one can be prosecuted for defamation for words uttered in court.

Challenge

“I also challenge Bolden to name the government minister who purportedly brought him a message from me.”

Earlier this week, Dr Brown said he had instructed lawyers to bring a private prosecution for perjury against Mr Bolden.

Mr Bolden and wife Antoinette were cleared of theft and money-laundering charges, but convicted of misleading the Bermuda Monetary Authority. They await sentencing.

Mark Pettingill, who is representing Dr Brown, said in a statement released yesterday that he had advised Dr Brown that a private prosecution of Mr Bolden for perjury could not take place while a police investigation was underway.