The Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (ECSC) has confirmed the temporary suspension of a Saint Lucian judge serving in Grenada, following his recent criminal charge for assault involving a weapon.
Justice Shawn Innocent, who was presiding over criminal matters in the Grenadian judiciary, was formally charged on April 28 with assault with a deadly instrument—a serious offence classified under Section 176(e) of Grenada’s Criminal Code. The nature of the alleged incident has not been made public at this time.
Court officials stated that Justice Innocent was released on bail shortly after the charge was filed. He is scheduled to appear in court to respond to the allegations. The ECSC emphasized that while the matter is under legal consideration, the integrity of judicial operations must be preserved.
In a public statement, the ECSC confirmed that Justice Innocent has been “temporarily de-rostered” pending the outcome of legal proceedings. This administrative action will see him removed from the court’s active judicial schedule. To ensure continuity within the criminal justice system, another judge is set to take over his caseload starting June 1.
The court’s leadership also made it clear that although the situation involves one of its own, the ECSC remains steadfast in upholding principles of accountability and fairness. “The matter is being treated with the utmost seriousness,” the statement read, “while also respecting Justice Innocent’s constitutional rights and the presumption of innocence.”
This rare occurrence has stirred conversations across the region, as it is unusual for a sitting judge to be charged with such a grave criminal offence. Legal professionals and observers alike are watching closely to see how the matter unfolds and what it could mean for judicial conduct standards moving forward.
The ECSC functions as the highest court for the nine members of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), and its decisions carry regional weight. As this case develops, the court has reassured the public that its commitment to impartiality and justice remains unwavering.
