Latest update February 5th, 2025 11:03 AM
April criminal sessions open in Georgetown
Justice James Bovell-Drakes inspects the Guard of Honour during yesterday’s ceremonial opening of the April criminal sessions
The April criminal sessions of Demerara Assizes opened yesterday morning with Justice James Bovell-Drakes, one of the judges hearing the matters this session, taking the salute and inspecting the Guard of Honour at the ceremonial opening.
The ceremony was held on South Road, in front of the Supreme Court. The Tactical Services Unit (TSU) formed the Guard of Honour which was led by Assistant Superintendent Trotz.
The Commissioner of Police was represented by Assistant Commissioner Gavin Primo.
Sharing the dais were Justice William Ramlal, who will also be hearing criminal matters this session, Justice Dawn Gregory Barnes, Justice Rishi Persaud, Justice Dianne Insanally, Justice Winston Patterson, Justice Frank Holder and Chief Justice Ian Chang.
Justice Ramlal will today commence the trial of ex-policeman Clement Bailey, who is indicted for the murder of Clifton Garroway who was shot and killed at a nightspot in Garnett Street in February 2007. The jury for this case was impaneled yesterday.
Some 94 cases are billed for hearing during this criminal session of the court. Included in this list are a few persons who would have been committed to stand trial, since, in some cases, more than 10 years ago.
Some persons were committed in 1999, 1998, 1997, 1996, 1995, and in one instance, in 1986.
Matters to be heard include 16 murder cases, 19 manslaughter, 10 rape matters, nine carnal knowledge, five buggery cases, four rape/buggery and three cases of causing death by dangerous driving.
Other offences on the list include conspiracy to defraud, trafficking in narcotics, possession for the purpose of trafficking, robbery under arms, arson, break and enter and larceny, indecent assault, unlawful possession, causing grievous bodily harm with intent to murder, wounding with intent, assault causing actual bodily harm, and others.
The cases are going to be heard by Justices William Ramlal and James Bovell-Drakes.
If all 94 matters are completed before the session ends it should impact the total list of cases pending.
Kaieteur News understands that at the end of 2007 some 512 matters were pending. That year, a total of 69 depositions were filed in the High Court Registry, Georgetown, 20 in the Sub-Registry, New Amsterdam, and 1 in Suddie, Essequibo making a total of 90 depositions filed. To this number must be added the pending backlog of 510 depositions making a grand total of 600 indictments to be heard.
The judges heard and determined 67 criminal matters in Georgetown, 18 in Berbice and three in Suddie leaving a total of 512 criminal matters to be heard.
Similar Articles
THE BLUNT OF THE DAY
Sports
Features/Columnists
Democracy is a long-term commitment
Peeping Tom… Kaieteur News- Some things in life just shouldn’t have an expiration date—like true love, a fine bottle... more
OAS Secretary General Election and renewed OAS Consensus
Antiguan Barbudan Ambassador to the United States, Sir Ronald Sanders By Sir Ronald Sanders Kaieteur News- The upcoming election... more
Weekend Cartoon
