The Court of Appeal has ruled a judge was right to allow less exacting standards of fingerprint evidence which convicted a burglar.

Anthony Webster Swan was convicted of burgling a Pembroke home last April. The victim was lying on his couch on Grasmere Road when he became aware of someone in the room. The burglar fled with cash and a watch when challenged but left fingerprints.

At Swan's trial a fingerprint expert noted ten ridge characteristics when the normal admissible standard in Bermuda is 16.

But the Court of Appeal noted ridge standards had been relaxed in England because technology had improved and it dismissed Swan's appeal.

Accused in court

A man allegedly involved in a robbery was charged in Magistrates' Court yesterday morning.

David Jahwell Cox, 24, of Orchard Grove, Pembroke, was not required to enter a plea, as the case will be heard in Supreme Court.

It is alleged that Cox robbed someone of a 40 inch gold chain and inflicted personal violence during the incident.

Crown counsel Wayne Caines objected to Cox being released on bail, as if indicted the offence carries a maximum sentence of ten years.

Acting Senior Magistrate remanded Cox in custody for mention on November 26.

His lawyer is Craig Attridge

Assault charge denied

An 18-year-old man was charged with unlawfully assaulting a female yesterday in Magistrates' Court.

Treadwell Gibbons, of Friendly Lane, Somerset, pleaded not guilty to the offence.

Acting Senior Magistrate advised Gibbons to get himself a lawyer. He set the matter down for trial on January 8 and bail was set at $500.

Holiday spoiler

A theft marred the holiday of a couple visiting the Island.

The couple were staying at a property on Ocean Sands Road, Warwick, when the theft occurred some time between 11.40 p.m. on Tuesday and 10.30 a.m on Wednesday.

The thief stole a pair of men's dark green shorts which had a wallet in the pocket with an undisclosed sum of money and other personal items.