David WarnesLatest updates
We will post updates to this page - please check back regularly as there are lots of things being persued at the moment.
Further news | 14/10/2007 00:44:46 |
| The party was a great success, thank you Shirley for the use of your house and gardens, the BBQ, D.J. and especially the chocolate fountain, which was wonderful - I was first in the queue, well I had to be sure everything was O.K before the guests tasted it!! As you all know David was released back to Malaga, but he is still on remand and still has a criminal record. This is not something I accept, another hearing will be held on 11th November to establish whether David is still considered a possible guilty party or a witness. Our lawyer Monsieur Prevot, of whom I cannot speak highly enough, is trying to have David's status changed before that date, if this is not possible we will have to wait until November. If in November, this doesn't happen I will be on a plane to Martinique to sort things out once and for all. I am aware the Judge is not enamoured of me, but I think we have a healthy respect for one another, and I know he has to work within the confines of the law, but I find it extremely frustrating bearing in mind 4 of the crew are not EEC citizens and they have been released back to their home countries and cannot be extradicted to Martinique. It is therefore obvious that the men are not guilty and their names should be cleared immediately. The follow up to David's personal possessions not being returned to him is becoming more bizarre. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office are implying that I am lying when I say his possessions have not been returned to him, and believe the prison's versions as opposed to mine, this is a copy of their e-mail to me Mrs Warnes, We have had a reply from the Prison regarding David's personal effects. They have told us that: An investigation has been carried out by prison services. All of the Mr Warnes' personal effects in their possession were given to him upon his release on 13 July 2007. They have confirmed that several days after his imprisonment, police officers deposited two bags at the prison containing the personal effects of detainees Messrs, Balcini, Warnes and Snoeijs without any inventory. On the 13 July 2007 Messrs, Bacini and Warnes were given their personal effects which were contained in these bags. The prison has conducted a search for the bag with the "AVILA" sign, which was unsuccessful. There is no detainee in the name of "Visoni Alex". Mr Warnes expressed no complaint on 13 July 2007 except for a "NOKIA" mobile telephone which was returned to him. We have, as you know, asked the authorities for an explanation as to why we were not told sooner. Our request has been passed to the Ministry of Justice and we are awaiting their reply. Many Thanks Lee Lee Theisinger David left prison with one bag, which he had had with him since his imprisonment, and which contained his 'wet gear'. Twice he applied for his possessions to be returned to him, following a letter from the British Consul, dated 27th June advising him that his personal belongings had been delivered to the prison by the police. He had to apply to the prison Adminsitrator in writing, and in French. This he did, twice, with another prisoner translating for him. The Consul told him he had to apply to the administrator but did not supply a 'dummy' letter which he could copy. Another example of our Embassy services not being 'very helpful'. As you can see from the FCO's letter they dispute David's version of events and prefer to take the Prisons view. I am furious that they take this attitude, and even more angry that they are basically calling me a liar. They forget David was in the company of 5 other men, all of whom saw him and most of his belongings during his stay on Isla Margarita, and 4 of them who lived with, or near to him for two months on Martinique and know he did not have his possessions. In addition the prisoner referred to in the FCO's e-mail, Alex saw David's posessions when he went to collect his own things. He told me they were strewn across the floor. May I ask you all to write to the FCO, in a polite, but firm way, requesting they look for Davids possessions, especially his log book, which has taken him 10 years to build up, and which is irreplaceable. Please write to Mr Lee Theisinger at Lee.Theisinger@fco.gov.uk he needs to know that David has supporters. Again I thank you all for your support and whilst we have won the battle, we haven't won the war. Watch this space. This lady isn't for turning and these b......s will not win! I am not a particularly religious woman as you all know, but as God is my witness I will see right done. | |
PARTY - More Info | 21/09/2007 23:42:13 |
| Just to let you all know there is a DJ for next Saturday night, he's Spanish, and has English (and Spanish) music, lights etc. there will be a singer from 9pm for about an hour, and a chocolate fountain for 3 hours - I have ticket numbers 1, 2, 3 and 4!!!!! The food is all arranged, the bar is stocked but any additional beer or wine will be welcome. See you, your friends and family there. | |
PARTY!!!!! | 19/09/2007 09:45:30 |
| There's a welcome home party on 29th September starting about 6pm. There will be a BBQ, bar etc. and entertainment. Please come along to say hello to David he has a lot of "thank you's"!! It's in the same place as the fund raiser and I won't be asking you for money!! | |
U.K. Fund Raiser | 16/09/2007 21:51:03 |
| The fund raiser in U.K. raised 605.70 Pounds, after expenses. A huge thank you to you all, I understand you had a wonderful evening and I'm sorry I couldn't have been there. As you know this was held after David's release from prison, but the funds are still needed for his legal fees, which are ongoing. Thank you all. | |
Sailing | 15/09/2007 09:51:52 |
| Two days after arriving home, David has gone sailing! There's a regatta in Malaga and he's crewing on his old boat. I did tell him to check the liferafts before they set sail! | |
FREE AT LAST | 15/09/2007 09:49:30 |
| As many of you know almost 4 months to the day after being arrested David was released back to Malaga. He arrived home on Wednesday evening, tired but happy. He hasn't been exhonerated totally because of the politics between France and Holland, but the mere fact he is back home, shows it is only a matter of time before this is rectified. For those of you who know David you'll be pleased to know his sense of humour hasn't changed! We have decided it was his initial insanity that kept him sane! David has come home without any of his personal belongings. This was the only thing he asked our British Consul to do - secure his personal possessions. Whilst clothes can be replaced, the sailing clothes and navigational equipment will be at some cost, his log book was amongst his possessions, this shows all the trips he has made over the last 10 years and signed by the skippers of the yachts. This log book is irreplaceable and priceless. Needless to say I am pursuing the matter. David may be free but the Foreign and Commonwealth office are not. They have taken the unwise decision not to answer my last two e-mails. A press release is imminent. Thank you for your invaluable support over the last 4 months, it's been a very difficult time for all of us. I couldn't have got through this without you. | |
Photos | 11/09/2007 22:27:09 |
| I have put 3 photos on the 'gallery' section taken at the Fund raiser, the 'splash' is me being thrown in, for a small one I make a big splash!! One is a group photo in our T shirts, the third one is Alfonso who made the highest bid in the auction for the hand made yacht, he's pictured with Victor, the boat builder. Thank you both of you. | |
Fund Raiser | 09/09/2007 16:06:09 |
| A huge, huge thank you to everyone who supported David's fund raising day yesterday. The total raised on the day was 1151.85 Euros, after expenses (food, drink, tombola prizes) you raised an astonishing 975.85 Euros. It's a phenomenal amount of money and we both thank you all, it's deeply touching when people we don't know turn up to support us and people we think of as friends, turn out to be true friends - together you make an exceptional group of people. In addition to the money raised yesterday an extra 200 Euros was paid by a benefactor who doesn't want to identified, to see me thrown into the pool, this was successfully executed by Paul - thank you Paul - who also ended up in the water! It was a fun day, people were fighting over the tombola tickets, ransacking the bric a brac and making hazardous guesses as to how much money was in the bottle and how many sweets were in the jar. The music was great and in between eating the marvellous food people were dancing and drinking. All in all it was an enjoyable afternoon and a very good dress rehearsal for the real thing when David comes home! There are a number of people I have to thank but I don't want to name them personally incase I forget someone and offend them, but all the helpers know who they are and I would like to say without you I couldn't have done it. There is one special thank you though to Shirley for 'lending' us her house for the afternoon because without that, the event could not have happened. Get ready for the next party when David comes home, I won't you asking for your money again, just yourselves so David can thank you all personally! As soon as I have the photo's I'll post them in the 'gallery' | |
Foreign & Commonwealth letter | 08/09/2007 00:54:41 |
| This is an extract of the letter I sent to the FCO this evening because I am tired of their lack of interest. I intend to shame the British Government and their lack of humanity, interest and professionalism. As tax payers we pay these people and they are DOING NOTHING! Dear Mr Theisinger, Ref: David Warnes You advised me on 24th August of the actions you had initiated on my husbands behalf, i.e you wrote to the Ministry of Foreigh Affairs on 3rd August regarding David's arrest and not being informed of it. Have you had a reply and what is their excuse? They clearly ignored EEC law regarding David's arrest and informing his next of kin of arrest. This I will deal with publicly in the near future, and also your office's involvement, which is lacking. You also informed me that on 10th August you asked Ducos prison why David's personal possessions had not been returned to him, and as of this date nothing has changed. Mr Theisinger, this whole case is a farce. Wouldn't it be very easy for your Consul in Martinique to seek an appointment at the prison, take David and collect his possessions? Why hasn't this happened? Does it really take 3 months to remedy what is a very simple problem? I am at a total loss to understand this situation, but I do know it is unacceptable and intolerable. Is your office responsible for anything? My husband is an innocent man, even given that his is guilty, is it right that I have had to fight for three months for his right to contact his family upon his arrest? His personal possessions should have been logged and signed for, they haven't. Why didn't your office make an official complain three months ago? Is it only because I have continuously e-mailed and hassled you? Mr Theisinger I am completely at a loss at to the lack of interest by your Paris Embassy and Martinique Consul with regard to Davids situation. My husbands personal possessions were returned to Ducos in June, by your own Consul's admission and subsequent e-mail to me. You know as well as I do, that personal possessions have to be logged and signed for, so why is it so difficult to resolve this problem? I am now very tired of the whole situation Mr Theisinger, and I am giving you 7 days to remedy this situation or I will take legal action. I am tired of the lack of interest, the lack of humanity and the lack of interest your office shows. I demand my husbands possessions be returned to him immediately I have been patient enough. I am truly ashamed to hold a British passport which has always been held upto me as the best in the world.This is not true anymore. If you have answers to my questions I will gladly hear them, but do not please, give me stupid excuses. After one month you should have been writing to me telling me of the responses you have received to your own letters, but as usual the 'channels of communication' appear to be closed down. Beverley Warnes | |
IPSWICH FUND RAISER!!! | 30/08/2007 16:26:41 |
| There will be an evening of Clairvoyance in Ipswich on the 13th September from 7:30. Tickets are £5. Also there will be live music and bar. For further information or to request tickets please contact me through the "contact us" email link. Thanks for your support Beck -x- | |
Response | 29/08/2007 18:15:01 |
| The following e-mail I received this afternoon is heartening. I have omitted the name of the person who signed the letter for obvious reasons. Dear Mrs Warnes The Secretariat of the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) acknowledges receipt of your email of 26 August 2007. The information provided concerning Ducos Prison will be brought to the attention of the CPT during its next plenary meeting (November 2007). Yours sincerely | |
Still fighting! | 26/08/2007 17:19:57 |
| This is an e-mail I sent to The Council of Europe's Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT) having read their web site about its visit to Martinique. I have omitted some details which are not expedient to print here, but the overall gist can be understood. I read the article you published in 1996 and would advise you that Ducos Prison in Martinique is still treating it's prisoners without regard to their human rights. My husband David Warnes was imprisoned there without charge, in May of this year, he was not allowed to make a telephone call and his Consular office were not informed. The social worker gave him a sheet of paper and an envelope but no stamp. I did not find out my husband was incarcerated for 12 days. See his web page www.freedavid.co.uk In addition, Prisoners Abroad kindly sent some information to my husband, which was not passed to him until his judicial release in July. The envelope was clearly marked with all his details, including priosner number and also with the prisoners Abroad stamp. Again this is a breach of his human rights. His personal possessions which were returned to the prison by the police in June were not returned to him, despite two formal applications from David, upon his release they denied ever having his possessions despite another prisoner having seen them 'thrown' on the the floor. This is totally unacceptable in 2007. I suggest your team return to Martinique and explain basic human rights to the Governor of the prison. Regards | |
Fund Raiser | 25/08/2007 19:40:46 |
| An update for the 8th September. Tickets are selling well and my house is filling up with things for the Tombola and bric a brac not to mention the T shirts - which are going fast. The craft stall is for anyone who makes or grows anything. If you knit, sew or crochet, make marmalade,make personalised cards or grow plants please bring anything along that you think other people may like to buy. I have been sponsored for Drench the Wench, by a very generous benefactor, who is willing to pay 200 Euros to see me fall into the water. Unfortunately this person will not be able to attend, the condition is that I send a photo of my 'drenching' so now I'm looking for an 'official' photographer! I think also we are going to dance Flamenco, so bring your dancing shoes and castanets you will be expected to participate! | |
T-Shirts | 22/08/2007 15:48:00 |
| The T-Shirts have arrived they are white with the inscription in navy saying FREE DAVID www.freedavid.co.uk There are a limited number in each size, small, medium, large and extra large. They are 10 Euros each and they're available on a first come, first served basis. These will be the hottest fashion items this year!!! | |
e-mail addresses | 21/08/2007 21:33:33 |
| Could you guys who have worked with David and who have left messages on the 'how can I help' page please use the 'contact' page of this site to let me know your e-mail addresses please? I would like to keep you up to date personally with what's happening. David still hasn't had his personal possessions returned so guess who's writing to the British Ambassador 'it's not my job' Mr Donnelly again this evening! There's going to be a fund raiser in Ipswich soon which Rebecca is organising, details will be on here very soon, please go along and support her. | |
Hurricane | 18/08/2007 17:06:34 |
| I've spoken to David, everything is O.K. where he is, there's a big clear up going on, damage to some homes and boats, palm trees etc. but they were fortunate in comparison to other parts of the Island. | |
Another photograph | 18/08/2007 08:42:15 |
| 'A boat sinks as it takes on water amid debris, after Hurricane Dean hit Martinique, in Fort de France, Friday' This is the caption under the new photograph downloaded to the Gallery section. | |
Yard Sale | 17/08/2007 23:33:04 |
| Margaret & Chuck had a yard sale in Florida on 11th August (not September as I put on the other update) and raised 200 $. Thank you both very much for this, especially as you have never met David. I know you have known me for many, many years (it's frightening how many!)but what you have done is truly wonderful. We both thank you. Bev x | |
Fundraiser | 17/08/2007 19:28:09 |
| At last I have the tickets for David's fun raising day. Please let me know how many you want and I'll get them to you. 5 Euros per adult, 2 Euros per child (12 and under). | |
Photograph | 17/08/2007 17:37:31 |
| I have put a photograph in the gallery section showing Fort de France as the hurricane approaches. | |
Hurricane update | 17/08/2007 09:23:45 |
| This is the latest from the National Hurricane Centre WTNT34 KNHC 170546 TCPAT4 BULLETIN HURRICANE DEAN INTERMEDIATE ADVISORY NUMBER 15A NWS TPC/NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER MIAMI FL AL042007 200 AM AST FRI AUG 17 2007 ...CENTER OF DEAN TO PASS NEAR MARTINIQUE AND ST. LUCIA DURING THE NEXT FEW HOURS... A HURRICANE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR ST. LUCIA...MARTINIQUE... DOMINICA...AND GUADELOUPE AND ITS DEPENDENCIES. PREPARATIONS TO PROTECT LIFE AND PROPERTY SHOULD BE VERY NEAR COMPLETION. AT 200 AM AST...0600Z...FRENCH RADAR DATA FROM MARTINIQUE HELPED LOCATE THE CENTER OF HURRICANE DEAN NEAR LATITUDE 14.3 NORTH... LONGITUDE 59.8 WEST OR ABOUT 85 MILES...135 KM...EAST-SOUTHEAST OF MARTINIQUE AND ABOUT 90 MILES...140 KM...NORTH-NORTHWEST OF BARBADOS. DEAN IS MOVING TOWARD THE WEST NEAR 25 MPH...41 KM/HR...AND THIS MOTION IS EXPECTED TO CONTINUE FOR THE NEXT 24 HOURS. ON THE FORECAST TRACK...THE CENTER OF DEAN WILL BE PASSING VERY NEAR THE ISLANDS OF ST. LUCIA AND MARTINIQUE WITHIN THE NEXT SIX HOURS. MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS ARE NEAR 100 MPH...160 KM/HR...WITH HIGHER GUSTS. DEAN IS A CATEGORY TWO HURRICANE ON THE SAFFIR-SIMPSON SCALE. STRONGER WINDS...ESPECIALLY IN GUSTS...ARE LIKELY OVER ELEVATED TERRAIN NEAR THE PATH OF THE CENTER. SOME STRENGTHENING IS FORECAST DURING THE NEXT 24 HOURS. STORM SURGE FLOODING OF 2 TO 4 FEET ABOVE NORMAL TIDE LEVELS... ACCOMPANIED BY LARGE AND DANGEROUS BATTERING WAVES...IS POSSIBLE NEAR THE CENTER OF DEAN. I spoke to David about 7 hours ago, he is in a safe building with all hatches battened down! | |
Hurricane | 16/08/2007 19:20:04 |
| Just checked the weather for Martinique after receiving a text message from David. Hurricane Dean is due to land there about midday Saturday - European time. Is there anything else they're going to throw at us?!! | |
M.E.P.'s | 14/08/2007 23:45:17 |
| I forgot to tell you, the M.E.P.'s I contacted, who have not even had the grace to acknowledge my letters are as follows: Mr Richard Howitt Labour Party of the European Socialists Email: richard.howitt@geo2.poptel.org.uk Mr Geoffrey Van Orden Conservative Email: geoffrey.vanorden@europarl.europa.eu You will notice I have been totally unbiased in my choice of political party! Neither of these esteemed gentlemen replied to my requests for assistance. YOU are paying for them, their trips to Brussels, and heaven only knows where else, their very expensive life styles and expense accounts that are probably a years wages to some people, me included, yet neither they, nor their secretaries can send an e-mail. Please write to them, or bombard them, with e-mails asking them what they intend to do, why they haven't done anything or indeed what they are doing to help David. | |
David | 14/08/2007 23:32:59 |
| Just a short note to let you all know I am in regular contact with David, he is well but very, very bored and getting angrier by the day with the French system. He has still not had his personal possessions returned to him and as usual the British Embassy/Consul are doing nothing but paying lip service. He took sufficient asthma medication for his entire trip i.e. 5 months and because he has not had his possessions returned to him he is running out of medication. So guess who has to pay for that - we do! I do not object to us paying for the medication, but I don't see why we should. As a taxpayer we have already paid for David's medication through the Spanish Health Service, now we have to pay again, in Martinique, in cash, and reclaim the expenses from the same Spanish Health Service. Why do I have to go to work to pay twice? Why can't the British Embassy/Consul obtain David's personal possessions? They tell me it's not their job. I can't find very much that is their job and I have nothing but contempt for them and shame for the passport I hold, and am desperately trying to change. We understand our lawyer is back from holiday this week so we will be contacting him regarding the September hearing. It is imperative that David comes home and is free to work again - if only to pay off some of our debts to you all - and live a normal life. As soon as I have a date I will post it here. Thanks again to you all for all your help and support it is appreciated and welcomed. Bev | |
Yard Sale | 10/08/2007 13:21:40 |
| This Saturday 11th September there is to be a yard sale in Florida to help David. Anyone who is over there at the moment and would like to go let me know and I'll pass on the address. Thank you Margaret & Chuck. | |
Another injustice! | 09/08/2007 23:33:47 |
| I am not a crusader for every prisoner in the world, but I have checked this out and it is wrong. If you are planning to go to Florida or the USA please read this first. It is a message I sent this evening to Florida's Governor. The case is a sham and a disgrace, please also write to the Governor, this could be David! Dear Sir I write with respect to Krishna Maharaj who has been imprisoned for over 20 years in Florida. This case has only recently been brought to my attention, but having spent many hours looking at the evidence I feel your Government has made a mistake, a very serious mistake. My husband was recently imprisoned for a crime he didn't commit and I have fought tooth and nail to prove his innocence, which I have to a certain extent, it is still ongoing, and I have a lot of work to do, but I will prove his innocence. Please look at this case and be big enough to admit your system has made mistakes. There is no shame in being wrong, but there is shame is locking up an innocent man, and worse putting him on death roww. The evidence is overwhelming, I suggest you admit his convinction is wrong, the alternative, if someone like me is involved, is you risk your tourist industry. I for one would not dream of spending money in a country that imprisoned innocent people, and I have lived in your country. Until this man is released I will never visit your country, advise anyone to go there, and actively campaign against tourism. I will post this e-mail on my husbands web site www.freedavid.co.uk so that anyone in the U.K. can see the injustices that are being carried out in your country, supposedly 'the most developed' in the modern world. Assuredly you are the most powerful, and it is very obvious that you assume this role in your judicial system, which is corrupt, evil and third world. I remain, unconvinced by your judicial system Beverley Warnes | |
Fair Trials Abroad | 09/08/2007 21:42:29 |
| Good news Fair Trials Abroad has become involved in David's case and will try to help us with his release back to Spain, amongst other things. I urge you all to read their web site, especially the spotlight part. Having read this web site I realise how lucky we are. The injustices in this world are beyond my comprehension. I have vowed to help this Charity in any way I can. If any of you make an annual donation to charity please consider this one, and whilst it may seem morbid, please add them to your charitable requests in your will. It is so worthwhile and you could be helping people like David, who are not so fortunate in having family and friends who are able to support and help him. | |
Housework! | 07/08/2007 21:43:12 |
| I've put a new picture on the 'Gallery' section which explains David's feelings on housework PERFECTLY! | |
Fund Raiser | 05/08/2007 09:44:46 |
| On September 8th there will be a fund raiser for David, to help pay his legal costs. It's going to be at Shirley & John's house in Estacion. There will be a BBQ, 'drench the wench', please could I have volunteers from attractive young 'wenches' I don't think I'll command the same sponsorship somehow! There'll be a greasy pole competition for the 'boys' again volunteers please! Anyone who has a special talent please let me know. I will be making up a list of food we need, everyone can choose what they would like to bring plus a bottle of something please. Tickets will be 5 Euros per person. Any ideas and suggestions will be welcome. Please come along, bring your friends and their friends, let's make it a day to remember and a rehearsal for the party we'll have when David comes home! | |
David & John | 04/08/2007 23:03:47 |
| We have put a photo of John and David on the web site. This was taken last Christmas Day when we spent the day - and all night - with them. It's a great photo, it's a privilege to have it on the web site, thank you Shirley and 'John's girls' for the photo and for John. | |
Proof of innocence | 29/07/2007 23:12:57 |
| This extract is taken from the official Martinique Tourism web site. CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, a citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in their own country and may not afford the protections available to the individual under their own law. Persons violating French laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in the French West Indies are severe and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. Under French law, no bail is offered for those arrested with illegal drugs in their possession and they can expect to wait several months before their case is heard. Detained persons are presumed guilty and must prove their innocence. | |
It worked! | 26/07/2007 18:34:23 |
| Dear Mrs Warnes Thank you for your recent emails. I apologise for the delay in getting back to you. We immediately wrote to the court requesting confirmation that your husband had been released without charge. We have now received a reply informing us that your husband was granted provisional liberty under judicial control and upon the condition that he does not leave Martinique. We wrote to the court asking why we were not informed of Mr Warnes' arrest. We received a reply confirming that he had been arrested. We are, therefore, taking the matter up with the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs . We are writing to the prison to ask for an explanation as to why the letter from Prisoners Abroad was only handed to Mr Warnes upon his release and regarding his clothes. We understand your concern at the difficulty in sending money to your husband. This is why we suggested that you make a deposit at your local British consulate to help speed things up. Unfortunately, the French postal order system is the only formal method that French prison authorities currently accept. I am, therefore, making enquiries of the French prison service as to what possible alternatives they might consider in future. I will contact you again as soon as we have a response from the French authorities. Yours sincerely Stephen Donnelly | |
British Embassy | 26/07/2007 07:50:20 |
| This is an e-mail I sent to the British Ambassador in Paris, and copied to the Consul in Martinique, on 18th July - to which I have never received a reply. I have written again today in the hope of a response. Dear Sir Ref: David James Warnes - Ducos Prison Martinique I have just returned from Martinique, where after a hearing before Judge Lavielle, my husband David James Warnes and his 5 colleagues have all been released without charge. There are a number of matters which I think you should be concerned with regarding this case. The first is that you were never informed of David's arrest. If this is truly the case I ask that you make a formal complaint to the Prison and/or Police. David asked the prison social worker to inform you of his arrest and you tell me this was not done. He was given writing paper and an envelope to write one letter, but no stamps. This is a serious breach of his rights and one you should be concerned with. Secondly, you advise prisoners and their families to contact Prisoners Abroad, which I did and they responded promptly by sending information to David on 7th June. This was sent from Sweden as priority A mail. This was given to David upon his release, unopened with the word Fouille hand written in large letters on the outside of the envelope. The Fouille has totally disregarded this letter, which clearly states who has sent it, and has not even bothered to open it to verify the contents. Again a serious breach of David's rights. It also doesn't bode well for yourselves advising people how to help themselves, if the prison authorities totally disregard the same help. Thirdly you advised that Davids personal possessions had been returned to the prison. On his release they totally denied this. He walked out of prison in the clothes he was arrested in and little else. If I had not taken clothing for him he would have had no change of clothing. I know you are going to tell me that this is nothing to do with the British Embassy, but I believe it is and I think it should be addressed immediately. There are British men in there who do not have the same support that David has and the above measures could make a huge difference to their lives, in what are already very miserable, degrading and inhumane surroundings. I would also add that some measures need to be taken in how money is sent to the prisoners. I know the French system is antiquated and you cannot change that, but you can update your systems to the 21st century to allow prisoners families to send money to them immediately so they may have basic everyday necessities. If you think I am exaggerating I have the toothbrush my husband was allocated and had to use until I could get money to him. I would ask anyone who has an ounce of compassion to look at it and to tell me they accept this situation. Not to mention carbolic soap and bleach to wash yourself and your clothes in. In this case Mr Donnelly 'It ain't broke but it does need mending'. You do not have to, and should not, emulate the French systems which definitely do need mending. You cannot, and should not, rely on the old tried and trusted methods in the 21st century. I await your further comments Beverley Warnes | |
Thank you | 26/07/2007 00:30:10 |
| Firstly I would like to say thank you to all of you for supporting David, and me, in what has been the most harrowing times we have ever been through. I can't mention everyone by name because you are too many and for sure I'd miss someone out and cause offence, but I would like to mention two very special people who I know have their own financial responsibilities but have made the decision to pay a sum of money every month to help David, Sam and Christopher you are an example of true goodness in a world that is a shambles. They are not the only ones but I know your sacrifice makes your own lives more difficult. David is very lucky, when this kind of thing happens 'friends' fall away, in his case the opposite has happened, I have spoken to people I don't know, but they know David and have come forward to support him. Friends of mine, people who have met David only for a brief time have supported me, financially, no questions asked, to a degree that I wouldn't have thought possible. I thank you from the bottom of my heart. If you heard the radio interview yesterday you will know that David is more or less his normal self. My intention now is to campaign for his release back home, which of course I have to pay for, so any fund raising events would be welcome. Have a car boot sale, a BBQ, a pub crawl, whatever you think is appropriate but we need to ensure that in September David is released back to the real world. Unfortunately, but typically, the French Government will not pay his ticket. No doubt I'll be accused again of upsetting the French Government - tough! They're not keeping David, although they insist he enjoys their hospitality. I cannot say more for fear of upsetting the authrities responsible for David's 'extended holiday' but any fund raising events would be welcome. | |
Fund Raising | 24/07/2007 22:14:58 |
| As I'm sure you all know by now, funds are running out, and rather than keep asking for money, which I hate, I would like to consider some fund raising events, please no-one suggest a coffee morning David would never forgive me! A BBQ, car boot, pub crawl anything that you think would help would be appreciated. Please let me know your ideas and if I can help you in any way. | |
Martinique | 17/07/2007 23:43:25 |
| I'm back again from my travels, delayed flights, a bomb scare in Paris and a man trying to take my suitcase instead of his - poor old soul he was going on holiday, can you imagine him opening my suitcase with size 8 clothes and a load of dirty washing! It could have changed his life!!! Anyway those of you who keep in touch regularly know the outcome, I have to be careful what I say on here because obviously the case is still being investigated, for those of you who don't, please e-mail me. I had a 'normal' week this time and even managed to go to the beach twice. It was a totally different experience to last time - thankfully! Again many, many thanksto everyone for their support, especially to Monsieur P. who has to tolerate this crazy, small English woman and who does it with grace, humour and French charm, and to Kat, you're damned right we will! Bev | |
Off Again! | 06/07/2007 23:44:02 |
| Last update before I go to Martinique again. Hopefully things will go well next week and I'll contact you all by e-mail. This has been a long journey, frought with misinformation, lack of information and general apathy on the part of the institutions that you assume will help you in your hour of need. As the saying goes 'neither assume nor presume' and in this case it has been more than apt, and I forgot it. David and I have had wonderful support, and for that we thank you. Some people deserve special thanks and they know who they are. They have given their time, emotions and in some cases hard earned money or the very generous offer of it, which I have found unbelievably generous and heartwarming. We both thank you profoundly. I won't embarass you by naming you. You know who you are. People have helped in so many ways, translating documents into French or from French, giving me ideas of who to write to, Ginnie only you could suggest The Queen and I'm annoyed I didn't think of it myself!Looking up web sites, writing on the 'How can I help page'or just telephoning to wish us luck. To all of you I thank you. During the course of the last two months I have been totally absorbed in David's plight, but nothing brought home to me how selfish we all become in our own little worlds and problems, and how they assume a life of their own than the death of David's friend John, and the suffering of his wife Shirley and his family. Throughout the last few days when they have gone through hell they have all, without exception taken the time to ask about David, what they can do to help him and me, and to offer their unqualified support. Words fail me at the strength of this family. John, if you're up there you must be so proud of 'Your Girls' You will all be pleased to know that this time I am not staying with 'The Adams Family' in what was a rather dubious 'Hotel' but in an apartment on the other side of Fort de France where hopefully there will be more normal people! They must be they're even sending a taxi to pick me up! For those of you that know the story I hope I don't hear a 'bonjour Madame' from the terrace when I'm planning to take a shower! For those of you who don't know the story you'll be able to read it in the book or I'll tell you personally, it has to be acted out! I know David wants Brad Pitt to play him in the film version, but it doesn't quite fit with Dame Judy Dench playing me, and apart from always wanting to be a Dame (David says I'm a mare) I can't think of anyone more suitable for the part - well she's small like me! I'll e-mail you from Martinique, please keep all your fingers, toes and anything else crossed on Wednesday and again thank you. | |
Holidays in Martinique | 04/07/2007 22:27:08 |
| For any of you planning to take a holiday in Martinique may I please advise you that from 8th to 28th July inclusive there will be no English speaking member of staff at the British Consul offices. Any problems or incidents must be reported to Paris, please make sure you take their telephone number with you! I was also advised that Davids personal possessions had been returned to the prison and would I contact him to inform him he needed to make an application to receive them. Do they think David is in a hotel with a phone by the bed and room service? How am I meant to contact him? This is a disgrace and a joke. This is not a service to the British Public this is Civil Servants who are doing their 'jobs' and are not interested in the welfare of anyone except themselves and their pensions. I would dearly love to see a job description. | |
letter from David | 04/07/2007 14:23:08 |
| I received a letter from David today. He was pleased to see me and to have fruit and the clothes I took in. No sign of his own clothes which have been at the prison for weeks. He has been able to borrow some books, so at least he has something to read and he hopes his cell mate likes Wimbledon because he wants to watch it, but as it's not him paying for the T.V. He can't dictate very much. No-one told me he could have a TV if it was paid for. Yet another Gripe with the British Embassy. He's convinced that the tracker should have been kept going as if to appear that the boat was still heading for the Azores. Hopefully by now he will have had the chance to tell the Judge the same thing. He's very concerned about the expense and is talking about being back at work here in Malaga, he's in for a huge shock when he finds out there is absolutely no chance for at least 3 months. Much as I am trying I can't work miracles, nor do I have a magic wand, only a black cat and a broomstick! He's talking about a holiday because I looked stressed - maybe in 2010 when I've saved up again! Please keep writing to him this week, most letters seem to be taking about 5 days. His hearing is next Wedneday 11th at 14.00, which is 8pm Spanish time and 7pm U.K. time, please all cross your fingers - and anything else - for him. Even if the Judge releases him it could take upto 2 days to actually extricate him from the place. Thank heavens for my training here in Spain. There can't be a finer place to learn the intricacies of bureaucracy, however after this I will never, ever complain about Trafico, the Social Security Offices, the Police Station or anything else. Having dealt with the British Embassy and the British Consul, who by the way have no English speaking staff in Martinique from 8th-28th July inclusive, and the Martinique/French Judicial system I say EN HORA BUENA ESPAÑA - dictionaries again folks! I'll be back on my Yahoo e-mail from Sunday night but will try to update this site as often as I can. On Wednesday I will text 2 or 3 people with news of David, if you could then pass it on to anyone you know who is waiting to hear what's happening, I would be grateful. | |
John Scott | 03/07/2007 16:55:42 |
| It is with great sadness and a lot of tears that I have to tell you that one of David's greatest supporters, John Scott, passed away this morning after a very short illness. John was a true gentleman with an amazing sense of humour. He had a candour and openess that everyone who knew him appreciated and valued. If John counted you as a friend you knew you had something very special that most people are never lucky enough to experience. True friendship is rare and David was one of the lucky ones, he knew John was his friend. I cannot express on this page how much we are going to miss John he is irreplaceable. David and John had the same wicked humour, that would sometimes bypass me, but they could spend hours in each others company laughing and joking and drinking endless cups of tea. He is going to leave a gaping in hole in our lives. For Shirley and their children I can only say this is devastating, that this should happen so early in their retirement when they should have had years to grow old together, is incomprehensible, but Shirley you know you had one of the best men in the world as your husband and father to your children and John was obviously destined for somewhere better than this. Our love and support will always be there whenever and wherever you need it. Bev and David | |
David's hearing | 29/06/2007 18:57:02 |
| I have just heard from the lawyer that David's hearing is not until 11th July. I can't tell you how upset I am, I have booked my tickets, cancelled my work and all for nothing. | |
M.E.P.'s | 28/06/2007 18:39:19 |
| Just thought I'd let you know I wrote to two M.E.P.'s for the East of England, one Labour and one Conservative and neither have replied. If I don't hear from them by tomorrow evening I will publish their names and e-mails on here and ask that you all contact them. Perhaps they're at a cocktail party and innocent men in prison aren't really important. This may have to be a group effort! | |
Next Hearing | 28/06/2007 18:33:30 |
| I've just heard from the Lawyer that David's case will be heard again on either 5th or 6th July. He has asked me not to go public until those dates. If David is freed all well and good, if not I can go public. | |
BBC | 26/06/2007 22:19:29 |
| I have received an e-mail from the BBC who would like to take up David's case. This is good news. I have come to the conclusion that no matter what I do, I can't win - It's not often you hear me say that, but I'm swimming in a big pond with sharks and all I have is a snorkel - albeit yellow! So now I have to resort to other methods to win David's release. It's unfortunate that an innocent man has to be paraded in public, but if that's what it takes then I will do it. His story is worth time on any television station, but I know with the BBC we have a station that is credible, honest and respected around the world. | |
A Barristers viewpoint | 26/06/2007 22:12:21 |
| This is a message, one of many, I have received from a Barrister in the Turks & Caicos Islands, which confirms what I had been told previously. As you also know I have been told - not asked - not to upset the French Government, I think the time has come to upset them. Please write to the French Government, your MEP, Mr Blair who I understand is now unemployed and speaks fluent French - he could become a translator for David's cause - and Gordon Brown as British P.M. I have had a word with my husband, who has an enormous breadth of knowledge. I wish I had asked him before, but he was rather stressed and I didn't want to bother him. Not good news, I'm afraid. France simply ignores the Human Rights Treaties, just as Italy does, and as it has not granted individual right of access to the ECJ, as the UK has, one is helpless. I asked how it was, then, that there had been cases about people unjustly detained on remand for years, and he said that they would have been sponsored by organisations. Martinique only pretends to be part of Metropolitan France and is in much the same position as TCI, doing its own thing all the time and getting away with it. The French can detain people as material witnesses for up to six months and then renew the detention for another six months. This is utterly monstrous, but that's how they play it. I hope that you can make powerful friends who can make a fuss to rescue David. Be strong. God bless you. | |
Funny Story | 26/06/2007 00:27:06 |
| I know you are all getting fed up with my e-mails and requests for something or other, so I will tell you of an incident that happened at the prison in Ducos which hopefully will make you laugh - and don't we all need that at the moment. The guard who checks visitors in and out of the prison, in other words the man who exchanges your passport for a visitors permit, at least 4 times per visit, and who calls you by name to go into the prison shouted 'Warnes ici'. I can't believe this huge coloured man is talking to me, so I point at myself and say in my best French 'moi?' 'Oui Warnes ici'. At this point this small, very angy English woman loses it completely! I walked over to him and in my best Spanglish with a bit of French thrown in for good measure says, 'when YOU address ME I am not Warnes I am Madame Warnes to you!' After that we had a very good relationship and not only did he call me Madame Warnes but so did every other Guard, and the Prison Governor who was called when I was refused entry to see David. When they refused entry I took out my mobile and a business card, the guard asked me who I was calling and I said the Jugde, so he panicked told me shut off my phone and called the boss! Needless to say I got to see David. These big men with a little power are not as effective as a small person with no power, either that or my reputation as a rotweiller, or as a frind called me today a ferret (a ferret - do I need friends like these?!) preceeded me. More news soon, there are things happening - hopefully - which I will put on here as soon as I can. Keep supporting David and writing him letters Bev | |
Lord Triesman | 25/06/2007 19:55:42 |
| This is a copy of an e-mail I have sent to Lord Triesman this evening. This is the gentleman who stated in the newspapers last week that British passport renewal fees had to be increased, in part because the Embassies and Consul needed the funding to help British citizens who needed assistance abroad. Dear Sir I read the newspaper article regarding increased British Passport costs with great interest and feel you are slightly misguided in your thinking and have obviously never had to use the services of a Consul or Embassy whilst you are abroad. My husband along with five other men, has been imprisoned in Martinique, without charge, since 13th May 2007. A large quanitity of cocaine was found aboard two yachts they were sailing from Isla Margarita to Europe. The boat my husband was crewing was boarded by armed police in International waters 90 miles off the coast of Martinique under the pretext that their paperwork was not in order. Upon arriving in Martinique they were told the real reason. I have recently returned from Martinique where the Judge involved in the case and the Police have told me they know my husband is innocent and is not a drug smuggler. Please see the web site www.freedavid.co.uk for more information. My husband was not allowed a telephone call whilst in police custody or when he was transferred to Ducos Prison. The Prison Social Worker said she would contact the British Consul in Martinique. They deny this. I find it strange that the Dutch, Brazilian, Italian and Checkoslovakian Consuls were notified but not the British. However, allowing for human error it is possible. My husband found a way to contact me after being in prison for 12 days. I telephoned the British Embassy in Paris to ask for assistance for my husband, their first reaction when I telephoned them was - we shouldn't really be dealing with you because we don't have the prisoners authorisation! Plain stupidity when they claim no knowledge of him being in prison and I was informing them of the situation. I asked if I could send money to David via their offices so he could purchase daily necessities i.e. soap. I offered a credit card or electronic transfer and offered to pay any costs that the Embassy incurred. They couldn't help me. They do not deal with money. I asked if the Consul in Martinique could pay money into David's account and I would pay her personally, again this was not possible. The Consul visited my husband and spoke to him regarding his health etc. he told her he had not had his clothes and other personal possessions returned. She advised him she would verify that he could have clothes, which she did in an e-mail to me. The clothes were not part of the ongoing investigation, however it was not her job to ask the police to return them. Whilst in Martinique I telephoned the British Consul to ask for a list of the regulations regarding the fruit I could take in. That was on Friday. By Tuesday I had not received a fax, so I telephoned them. The lady who answered the telephone did not speak English. This is the British Consuls office with a French speaking lady who has no knowledge of English. After assistance from a local French lady I was finally put through to a lady who did speak a little English. They sent a 2 page fax entirely in French. My schoolgirl French is very rusty but I understood enough to read the rules and they were wrong! They do not compare with the rules set out in the prison, which unfortunately I couldn't write down because as a visitor I was not allowed a pen or paper. I have asked if the Consul could visit my husband again, but this is not possible because they only visit once a year. Lord Triesman if this is the service the taxpayers are paying for, it needs to be looked at again. My husband is in prison for a crime the police know he did not commit, but tell me they can hold him for 54 months without charge. The Consul will only visit once a year and requests for assistance are met with 'it's not my job'. I have engaged a criminal lawyer in Martinique, which I personally feel shouldn't be necessary for an innocent man, but failing to get any assistance from the Consul has left me with no other alternative. I appreciate she is an Honorary Consul, I also appreciate she is entitled to take a week off work for holidays or personal reasons but please, leave someone to man the office who has a reasonable command of the English language, I also realise they cannot offer legal advice, but surely they can make a telephone call to the local police, send documents in English and visit more than once a year. In comparison to the other Consuls especially the Dutch and the Brazilian Consuls, who visit their men every other week, who 'lent' money to the prisoners so they could buy basic necessities, it was only 30 Euros but at least they had soap, and who report back to the families on the ongoing case. I have spoken to the Brazilian Consul personally and to the wife of one of the Dutch men, so I know these facts to be true. So Lord Triesman in conclusion I think you are slightly incorrect in the newspaper article saying that Embassies and Consuls are their to help victims, because in this instance it is patently not true. Regards Beverley Warnes | |
More News | 24/06/2007 23:19:13 |
| I have been told that under French Law David can be held for 56 months without trial - did the 9/11 bombers have that much lee way? - I don't think so! Anyone who can I would like you to write to triesmand@parliament.uk he is in the House of Lords and represents the FCO in the Caribbean, this is also the man who thinks increasing the price of passports is justified bearing in mind the work the Embassies and Consuls do in supporting Brits abroad. He's obviously never tried to use them or spoken to them in English. This man is delusional and lives in his own private world, he needs to wake up and smell the coffee! | |
Martinique | 23/06/2007 15:56:00 |
| I have been in Martinique for 13 days and seen David for a maximum of 3 hours! Visiting is only for 30 minutes per time, but he's well and keeping positive. He appreciates all the letters he's received and apologises for not writing back but he's only just got his stamps. He's in prison with some serious psychopaths - the Judges' words not mine - and we need to get him out asap. I have now engaged a lawyer who seems hopeful that he will be released either on a tag or a huge bail. I may be asking you all to put your hands in your pockets! If he isn't released the second week of July he will have to wait for the Courts to resume in September, I can't let that happen to him, so please contact your MEP's the Home Secretary and the Foreign & Commonwealth Office. The police and the Judge say he's innocent - but he's in prison!! I'll post more when I get back to Spain. Thank you all for your support it means everything to me and David. Bev | |