Israel Bruce of one of this country’s Defense Counsel is making a strong call to the Magistrate here to send a message to the Police Prosecution that it cannot hold the Court at ransom.
His call came on Tuesday, March 7th, 2017 during the sitting of the Kingstown Magistrate Court with Senior Magistrate Bertie Pompey presiding.
It was during such time a defendant who was charged with several traffic- related offences was present in Court to have his trial.
However, when Station Sergeant Duane Bailey was summoned to give evidence he was not present.
As a result, the Defense Counsel informed the Court that Bailey is a Senior Police Officer and he is very knowledgeable about the rules of the Court and if absent the Court should have been properly informed.
In response Court, Prosecutor Shamrock Pierre told the Court that Bailey was summoned to be in Court and he has not appeared and that he has no explanation for such.
Before dismissing the matter Senior Magistrate Bertie Pompey said while he appreciates the work Bailey is doing he cannot disrespect the Court.
