Latest update January 18th, 2025 7:00 AM
Poole sent on self bail for cell phone in lock ups
Archie Poole, 60, yesterday appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates Court to answer a charge for allegedly having a prohibited item while being a prisoner.
It was alleged that Poole, on July 26, last, at the Brickdam Police Lockups, had in his possession a cell phone which is a prohibited item.
Archie Poole
Poole pleaded not guilty to the charge and was represented by attorney at law Mortimer Coddett.
The lawyer told the court that Poole is a well known businessman who resides on the Soesdyke/Linden Highway.
Coddett stated that his client is strenuously denying the charges, since the station has no published sign stating what was prohibited in the lockups.
He said that a search was never carried out on Poole, and that his client did not know what was prohibited in the lockups.
The lawyer argued that the police have the responsibility to give each detainee a “free” telephone call to relatives.
According to Coddett, that was not the case, since his client was informed by the police ranks that the station phone was not working.
“The police said that the phone could only receive calls, but can’t call out” Coddett said.
The lawyer said that Poole is not denying that the phone was his, but the prosecution would have to prove that he was wrong to have a cell phone in the lock-ups.
The lawyer asked that the accused be released on self bail, since he is well known.
Police Prosecutor Denise Griffith said that Poole was read his rights and was searched by the police.
She said that some time after Poole had been placed into the lockups, the police received information and another search was carried out on Poole. The cell phone was unearthed in his pockets. However, the prosecutor did not oppose bail.
Poole was placed on self bail and ordered to return to court on September 17. The matter was transferred to Court Three.
Poole was arrested on Tuesday last at his Soesdyke/Linden home and detained at Brickdam Police Station.
Following the fire at the Ministry of Health, the police had stated that they had a vested interest in Poole.
The Police also arrested former Chief Magistrate Juliet Holder-Allen, on Thursday at her South Ruimveldt home. The former magistrate was released on $10,000 station bail later that evening.
Kaieteur News understands that police also detained Kurt Brown, a Norton Street, Lodge, resident in connection with the arson investigation.
To date three persons have been charged in connection with the fire. On Monday last, a Ministry of Finance employee and a miner were charged for setting the Ministry of Health on fire. The men, Clayton Westford, 19, of Lot 7 West La Penitence; and Tedenna Bagot, 21, of 32 Second Street, Alexander Village; were not required to plead to the indictable charge of setting fire to a public building. And on Wednesday, South Ruimveldt resident, Keith Ferrier, was also charged for allegedly setting the ministry on fire.
The police have launched a massive manhunt for lockup escapees, Kurt Thierens, called “Bage” or “Glasses” of lot 102 Middle Walk Buxton and Colin Jones, 20, called “Bunny” of Lot 3 West La Penitence.
Police Commissioner, Henry Greene, had told reporters that there were no visible signs of a breakout.
A special team from the Tactical Services Unit has been put together to search for the two men and the police were working on the theory that they were removed by some corrupt means from the lockups. A female police corporal and a rural constable were on duty at the time of the escape and they have since been arrested.
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