Border changes raise questions over bail enforcement

The Royal Gibraltar Police says anyone who crosses into Spain in breach of their bail conditions will be arrested, investigated and brought before the courts.

The removal of routine checks at Gibraltar's land frontier has raised questions over how defendants banned from leaving the jurisdiction will be monitored.

GBC asked whether people subject to bail restrictions, arrest warrants or foreign travel orders are placed on watchlists accessible to officers in Gibraltar and, where appropriate, Spain.

The RGP said it is common practice to place people wanted for serious offences, or subject to travel orders, on different types of watchlists. 

It also said identifying people wanted abroad, or considered a serious safeguarding risk, relies on intelligence-sharing between law enforcement agencies.

The issue has gained added relevance following the conviction of former teacher and scout leader Clayton Busto, who was granted bail while awaiting sentence. His bail conditions were not stated in open court.

GBC has asked the Gibraltar Courts for details, but no response has yet been received. It is therefore not publicly known whether Busto is prohibited from leaving Gibraltar.