Another witness testifies in photographer’s cybercrime trial

As the trial in the cybercrime charge against photographer Keron Bruce continues, another witness has given testimony. This is approximately the third prosecution witness to do so.
Bruce, 35, a father of two, is on trial before Senior Magistrate Sunil Scarce on accusation of being the person behind the social media cartoon character “Mudwata”, who, according to the Police, has made slanderous publications about several persons, contrary to the Cybercrime Act.
It is alleged that on January 25, 2021, at Soesdyke, EBD, Bruce used a computer to disseminate information about Journalist Leroy Smith, knowing same to be false. Police are alleging that the information subjected Smith to public ridicule, contempt, hatred, and embarrassment.
Bruce, who is being represented by Attorney-at-Law Bernard Da Silva, was released on $100,000 bail, pending the hearing and determination of his trial.
The trial continues on October 4 at the Diamond/Golden Grove Magistrates’ Courts.
In January of 2022, Police arrested Bruce and several other persons on allegations of the cartoon character slandering persons. Police Headquarters have said ranks have seized several pieces of equipment from a house at DD Eccles, EBD. And several voice messages were also collected, which when analysed matched the “Mudwata” commentary, the Police Headquarters have said.
The arrest of Bruce came days after Smith, owner and managing editor of the online media outlet BIG SMITH News Watch, had offered a $1 million reward for reliable information that would lead to the proper identification of the cartoon character.
Smith had made this offer after a video aggressively attacking him was posted by “Mudwata” on Facebook and YouTube.
After Bruce’s arrest, Smith said several persons had come forward with information about the cartoon character.
As such, a court order was issued to search Bruce’s house for any evidence that would pin him to the character.
The Police are obliged under the provisions of the Cyber Crime Act 2018 to investigate any report made concerning cyberbullying. (G1)