Suspect In Custody

On September 5th 2001, police reported that they had a suspect in custody who is being question reference to Arson of the Straw Market. Many of the witnesses said they saw a Rasta looking dread locked man, who threw flame able liquid from a bag that he had in his possession.

Suspect Charged

C. Brian Gardiner a 29 years, dread locked arsonist charged with the straw market fire, Gardiner examination by a doctor for his strange behaviour in and out of court, diagnosed as a mild schizophrenic, whose illness induced from habitual use of marijuana.

Court Appearance

During his first court appearance, police collected him from the Fox Hill Prison escorted him in hand cuffs and leg chains. There was a massive crowd of people including straw vendors, who wanted to catch a glimpse of the Arsonist. There were also people from every sector of the Bahamian society and tourist who were visiting from cruise ships, that berthed nearby. The tourist wanted to know what this large crowd hand congregated for.

The police were in full force with barricades on both sides of the street. When he exited the bus, police officers positioned themselves in the front and the side of him, because those straw vendors wanted their pound of flesh. They taunted him with names, but he seem not to care, after being secured in the court, the crowd finally left and each going in his or her separate way.

Jury Decision

A jury concluded that Gardiner intentionally and unlawfully caused the fire, which caused destruction of Ministry of Tourism, Pompey Museum Colony Place and major damages to the Beaumont House.

The decision to allow Gardiner to stand trial before a jury was a difficult decision, because some of the members of the jury was not sure if he was competent enough to stand trial.

During his trial, he refused seating, or communication with his lawyer who was responsible to present a plea on his behalf.

Behavior In Court

On July 2, 2002, during his trial he sat with his hands clasped in his lap, staring looking forward, with an emotional gaze, which was different from his behavior three months before, which he mimicked the sound of a car horn.

Probation Report

In a probation report presented on Gardiner, he stated that he felt being controlled by celestial bodies which were very frightening for the probation officer to explain.

Sentence

During his trial, he refused to speak, only mumbling a few words, but at the day of his sentencing he on July 2nd 2002, he said, he was not guilty to the four counts of arson . " My lord to my sincere conscious mind it was not me". His punishment was to serve 12 years for each count, to run concurrently.