What was expected to be a routine end to court proceedings on Friday, January 30, 2026, took an unusual turn when a convicted man managed to leave the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court without being seen by members of the media who had been waiting outside for hours.
Thirty-seven-year-old Keon Peters, who earlier pleaded guilty to wounding 35-year-old sports administrator Elron Lewis of Troumaca, reportedly exited the court building undetected, raising questions about security and post-hearing procedures at the facility.
Peters appeared before the court and admitted to the offence during his hearing. He was subsequently ordered to pay $5,000 in compensation to Lewis and was sentenced to 24 months’ imprisonment, suspended for 18 months. The suspended sentence means Peters will avoid serving jail time unless he commits another offence during that period.
The Kingstown Magistrate’s Court operates with a single main entrance and exit used by magistrates, lawyers, prisoners, police officers, court staff, and members of the public. Following the conclusion of the hearing, journalists positioned themselves near the doorway for approximately two hours, anticipating Peters’ departure. However, as the building gradually emptied, the convicted man never emerged.
After court was adjourned, staff members returned to their offices, Senior Magistrate Tammika McKenzie went back to her chambers, and police officers departed for Police Headquarters. Despite the steady flow of people exiting the building, Peters was not among them.
According to eyewitnesses, Peters remained inside the courthouse long after most persons had left. Like many individuals who appear before the court and seek to avoid public attention, he reportedly lingered in the waiting area for more than an hour. During this time, he was accompanied by another man who appeared to be offering support, and the two were seen pacing in and out of the building.
Eventually, the companion left, leaving Peters alone in the waiting area. He remained inside for some time afterward, out of sight of reporters stationed outside. As minutes turned into nearly another hour, journalists began to question why he had not yet exited.
The situation became even more puzzling when a worker attached to the Serious Offences Court later entered the Magistrate’s Court to check the building. After walking through the premises, the worker returned and informed members of the media that no one was inside.
It was then clear that Peters had already left the courthouse without being observed. It remains unclear exactly when or how he exited the building, or whether he used an alternative route not visible from the main entrance.
The incident has since sparked quiet discussion among court observers and members of the press about possible gaps in security and monitoring procedures, particularly following cases that attract public attention. Although Peters was not in custody and was legally free to leave after sentencing, his unnoticed departure has raised concerns about communication and oversight within the court complex.
Peters’ guilty plea brought an end to a case that had attracted public interest, given Lewis’ reputation as a respected sports administrator in the Troumaca community. The court’s decision to impose a suspended sentence along with financial compensation was seen as an effort to balance punishment with rehabilitation. Lewis has not publicly commented on the outcome of the case.
For journalists and members of the public who waited patiently outside the courthouse, the day ended with more questions than answers. What should have been a straightforward exit became an unusual episode, one in which a convicted man quietly slipped away from public view despite close media attention.
As court activity continues across the country, the incident serves as a reminder that even in tightly monitored spaces, unexpected situations can still unfold.
