By PAVEL BAILEY

Tribune Staff Reporter

pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A 28-year-old man accused of libelling a woman on Facebook was remanded yesterday for psychiatric evaluation after displaying erratic behaviour in court.

Prosecutors allege Ashton Bethel posted defamatory statements about the complainant on Facebook between 2022 and September 8, 2025, including claims that she was a gang leader and drug dealer. He is also alleged to have said the woman was his wife and that he was the father of her child. Prosecutors say these assertions are false.

Bethel was charged with libel and misuse of a telecommunication device before Senior Magistrate Kendra Kelly-Burrows. While the charges were being read, he appeared incoherent and did not enter a plea. He was remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services, where he will undergo a psychiatric evaluation.

Bethel is due back in court for a report on October 27. Sergeant Vernon Pyfrom prosecuted.