Monday, July 9, 2018
By AVA TURNQUEST
Tribune Chief Reporter
aturnquest@tribunemedia.net
FORMER Supreme Court justice and Exuma MP Elliot Lockhart has vowed to take the government to task after a video recording of him at an Exuma airport went viral.
In the video, Mr Lockhart gets into a brief argument with a police officer that escalates into a shouting match.
The 63-year-old QC explained to The Tribune the video was taken after he had gone through the metal detector for a third time and captures an exchange with security officials, whom he said were all familiar with him.
He admits that he had "one or two" drinks before heading to the airport, but attributed his loudness to hearing issues.
The former judge can be seen at a security checkpoint at the airport, and the recording begins as Mr Lockhart collects his personal items from the conveyor belt, having already gone through the metal detector.
Mr Lockhart said: "I was smoking grass since I came to Exuma, if you would like to know, now find it."
A female security officer asks jokingly whether Mr Lockhart has any substances on his person, to which he replied: "Never, never never."
A police officer steps forward to admonish Mr Lockhart, saying: "Sir, I think you're a little too old to be behaving like this."
Mr Lockhart then tells the officer repeatedly to "step down".
Mr Lockhart says: "I've been a lawyer for 40 years in this country, look, I have my driver's licence, I am in charge of the police complaints inspectorate. I look after guys like you."
The officer replies: "But you see how you acting. You acting immature, sir, you supposed to be a senior citizen, you supposed to be setting an example for persons like me, and you see how you carrying on."
Mr Lockhart says: "Do not cast your pearls among swine."
The encounter appears to escalate when the officer steps toward Mr Lockhart and places his hand on his arm, and asks him to lower his voice, to which Mr Lockhart demands he remove his hand.
The video ends as the officer backs away and Mr Lockhart collects his belongings and walks out of the security area.
When contacted about the incident, filmed more than a week ago, Mr Lockhart explained he had endured a long day of traversing the island in the aftermath of the Four C's boat explosion, which he described as a "serious tragedy".
Mr Lockhart said he had spent the day advising Four C's owner Patterson Smith and conducting interviews. He said he consumed "one or two" drinks with friends just before heading to the airport.
As a former judge, MP and QC, Mr Lockhart said he enjoyed wide support from the Exuma community and was surprised the video was posted online and was filmed inside a secure facility.
He explained the video shows him collecting his things after going through the metal detector and being unable to determine what was setting off the alarm.
"I know I didn't have a belt on because of this whole idea of going through security system. I went through screening on three separate occasions, the thing kept ringing off. I turn up my back pocket and it was my keys. So I was having fun with the girls on the front end of the security line, they all know me.
"I have a problem with hearing so difficulty controlling the volume of my voice, the officer felt I was being noisy so he came out trying to deal with me.
"Knowing my rights I pushed him to the limit, and had he put his hands on me the government would rue that day.
"But in the security area it is clear there should be no cameras," he said, "to my surprise I see this video. I'm a Bahamian, there are loads of unsolved crimes in Exuma - theft of boat engines, missing persons, put your energy into solving crime. But this joker comes up to me trying to make himself look big.
"My having gone through all that I went through earlier in the day with the suffering of those persons on this boat, the affects it will have on the Exuma community. I had the weight of the whole world on my shoulders and that was the straw that broke the camel's back.
"I'm still reflecting on what I suffered because this thing went viral from the authorities, so the authorities must take responsibility for it," Mr Lockhart said.
Comments
DonAnthony says...
Absolutely disgraceful behavior, Mr. Lockhart looked like he was under the influence from a far more potent drug than marijuana or alcohol. Indicative of a corrupt person using their influence to demean persons they feel are inferior to them because of their position. He should be thoroughly ashamed of himself and simply apologize.
The officer on the other hand handled himself admirably. If Mr. Lockhart had a shred of decency or class he would contact this officer and those involved and apologize.
It truly shows what he thinks of Bahamians. He is not quite so stupid as to act this way going through u.s. airport security.
Posted 9 July 2018, 7:45 p.m. Suggest removal
Well_mudda_take_sic says...
Clayton Patterson Smith and Elliot Lockhart truly deserve one another. Those YouTube videos (Parts I and II) made by Smith a few years ago that have by now been downloaded by legal reps for the victims in both the U.S. and the Bahamas are going to bite both Smith and the Bahamian government where it hurts most.
Posted 9 July 2018, 7:55 p.m. Suggest removal
concernedcitizen says...
I thought it was odd , or disturbing , when I saw the Barrister and his client in George town partying and carrying on like it was a home coming festival . It was just days after the incident and they were at an outdoor bar in the middle of town carrying on .Usually if a lawyer represents himself ,you say he has a fool for a client ,,what does their behavior in town and the airport incident say
Posted 9 July 2018, 8:09 p.m. Suggest removal
OMG says...
The PLP have gone Mr Lockheart, arrogant I am special is no longer the order of the day. Try this in Miami airport and you will be in hancuffs in a moment.
Posted 9 July 2018, 10:03 p.m. Suggest removal
Porcupine says...
It is disgusting that this is the leadership mentality that we have in this country.
The arrogance and disrespect shown by this joker............................
He should have been put in his place 40 years ago when he began his "service".
This man is a disgrace to the people of The Bahamas, and it is clear he thinks he is better than those around him.
When you say, "step down" to another person, it is clear what you think of yourself.
Mr. Lockhart is just another bad example of why this country is hurting so.
This video made me want to slap this insolent bastard myself.
Posted 10 July 2018, 7:13 a.m. Suggest removal
OldFort2012 says...
What a huge ass. Try doing that in the USA and see what happens to you, you little prick.
Posted 10 July 2018, 7:41 a.m. Suggest removal
Raptor22 says...
This comment was removed by the site staff for violation of the usage agreement.
Posted 10 July 2018, 10:22 a.m.
One says...
Disgusting Elliot. I am proud that this Officer stood his ground and did not succumb to Elliot's threat to abuse his power to punish the Officer.
Posted 10 July 2018, 10:36 a.m. Suggest removal
CatIslandBoy says...
This is very disappointing, coming from someone that I had thought should have been held in high regards. It just shows how a little bit of inebriation can bring out an individuals true colors.
On the other hand, the young police officer handled himself admirably, and should be commended.
Posted 10 July 2018, 3:16 p.m. Suggest removal
TalRussell says...
Ma Comrade CatIslandBoy, had former Supreme Court justice and Exuma MP "King's Counsel" Elliot been medicating on Cannabis - he'd been huggin' and not challenging authority poiceman's.
Posted 10 July 2018, 4:49 p.m. Suggest removal
BMW says...
That jackass should have been arrested!!!!!!!
Posted 10 July 2018, 5:03 p.m. Suggest removal
sheeprunner12 says...
Sooooo, Elliot is a black Bahamian ....... this goes to show what elitist, bigoted PEPs do to the "small man" in this country ......... This video should be used as a teaching tool in every school, church and service organization in this country ........ what an embarrassment to the QC (lawyers) community.
Posted 10 July 2018, 5:18 p.m. Suggest removal
TalRussell says...
At least Comrade "King's Counsel" Elliot didn't use F- - - word to policeman's
H.R.H. Prince Philip to photographer: Just take the ****ing picture -
....//////https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B0XhRuVvFB0
Posted 10 July 2018, 5:38 p.m. Suggest removal
sheeprunner12 says...
And your point is??????????
Posted 10 July 2018, 5:44 p.m. Suggest removal
TalRussell says...
Ma Comrade, move on as I'm sure policeman's has. The man's had bad hair day, so why try turn into capital crime offense?
Posted 10 July 2018, 5:47 p.m. Suggest removal
Porcupine says...
Can the officer who had to deal with this imbecile be identified so that we can give him the compliments he deserves.
I would have found it very difficult to hold myself together in the face of such obnoxious and rude behaviour.
Posted 10 July 2018, 5:56 p.m. Suggest removal
birdiestrachan says...
I doubt employees of the Government should make or publish Videos .while on
their jobs. But cameras are every where and it pays at all times to be at ones
best Sunday School behavior. even as all are capable of loosing it completely, and
have a massive melt down.
Posted 11 July 2018, 11:44 a.m. Suggest removal
sheeprunner12 says...
This is even more embarrassing for the FNM Government .......... This man was once a hot shot FNM political aspirant and sat on the bench during the FNM regime ........ Just listen to his tone, as he speaks to this "lowly officer" ......... He is not afraid of any FNM political backlash.
Posted 11 July 2018, 12:48 p.m. Suggest removal
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