New book documents rape case that triggered country’s first extradition

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Kaitlin Hurley (left) and Lee Martin-Cramp
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By Theresa Goodwin

[email protected]

The horrific account of a rape case which led to Antigua and Barbuda’s first extradition is encapsulated in a recently released book called ‘Antiguan Justice: A Father’s Fight’.

The 220-page publication written by Derrick Hurley and published on June 9 details how Hurley confronted his worst fears when his daughter became the victim of a heinous crime.

Derrick is the father of Kaitlin Hurley who was raped by London police officer Lee Martin-Cramp in 2015 while he was visiting Antigua and she was residing here as a nursing student.

Kaitlin previously waived her right to anonymity in the hope her story would help others by alleviating the stigma around sexual assault and its impact on survivors and their families.

In an exclusive interview with Observer media, Derrick Hurley explained that the book is a story of hope, especially after he was told early in the investigation that the case was unlikely to progress far.

He also said, despite the incident, his family retains a lasting love for Antigua and Barbuda.

“Kaitlin spent three years in nursing school in Antigua – first American to graduate there. It was a great school; she learnt things she would not have learnt in the US,” he said.

“We love Antigua; Kaitlin calls it her second home. I am proud of that country and I want to prop up Antigua because they made this case happen in the end. The authorities did the right thing and they should get due credit for it.”

Hurley admitted that the case, the trial and other aspects changed the lives of his entire family. It also inspired him to change course professionally to help non-profit organisations that support sexual assault victims, abused children and others.

“That’s what the rest of my life is going to be about. I am just trying to help, I am trying to find some good that can come out of the bad,” Hurley explained. 

Recounting some aspects of the case, he explained that his daughter met Martin-Cramp on the Tinder dating app.

They continued chatting on WhatsApp and made plans to meet for drinks. During one of the meetings the then serving police officer drugged Kaitlin’s drink before raping her.

Martin-Cramp left the island shortly after the incident.

Antiguan authorities lodged an extradition request in November 2016. It was denied in February 2017.

A second application was argued by Antigua and Barbuda’s then Director of Public Prosecutions, Anthony Armstrong, and granted in 2018.

Martin-Cramp had tried to block the move claiming being detained in the country’s national prison would be inhumane.

He is instead serving a 15-year sentence at the former US air base in Coolidge. Last year his appeal to the Privy Council to have his conviction overturned failed.

Hurley’s tell-all book is now available on Amazon or Amazon Kindle.

He told Observer that the book aims to educate and raise awareness of sexual violence in hopes of inspiring survivors.

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