Benschop on self-bail

Nov 03, 2009 News

Social activist Mark Benschop was yesterday placed on self bail, after making an appearance before Acting Chief Magistrate Melissa Robertson, yesterday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

Benschop, 37, is accused of assaulting peace officer Neville Jeffers and also resisting arrest by the said police officer on October 29 last, at his Roxanne Burnham Gardens residence. He was represented by attorney at law Nigel Hughes, in association with attorney at law Kenita Cumberbatch.

Hughes told the court that Benschop was arrested on his son’s birthday.

The lawyer noted that his client would be strenuously contesting the charges which are before him.

Hughes explained that the Justice of Peace who signed the warrant for the search went publicly and stated that if the police had disclosed certain aspects of the search he would never have signed the document.

He (Hughes) stated that the police clearly went to an extent to suppress information from the Justice of Peace.

The lawyer said that Benschop posed no flight risk and asked that he be released on self-bail. He further noted that his client only comes to court for political reasons and this would be the third time.

Hughes further argued that the warrant which was served upon his client was an open one.

He said that the warrant had no name, nor address, and it also states that they could use force to enter and seize whatever they see fit. The lawyer stressed the fact that the police could easily break into someone’s home and say they found something.

According to the prosecution, on the day in question, there was a party of policemen executing a search on the premises.

The prosecutor further stated that the accused (Benschop) was pushing the officers; he was cautioned about his behaviour but nevertheless continued. The prosecutor said his behaviour prompted officers to arrest him.

Attorney at law Hughes interjected and told the court that Benschop considers himself lucky because he wasn’t taken to the Leonora Police Station.

The prosecutor said that Benschop was not a first offender and he still continues to commit offences which show he has a total disregard for the law.

Benschop’s lawyer at this point requested that the prosecutor state the offences that Benschop has continued to commit, further noting that the statement was damaging his client’s character.

Hughes stressed that it is the police who continue to molest Benschop and target his home.

“My worship they are always invading my client’s home, I don’t know if they want to rent or buy the property” Hughes said.

Mark Benschop was placed on self-bail and is expected to make another court appearance on November 12.

On Thursday last, Benschop was detained for disorderly behaviour and conduct towards officers who were executing a search. That statement was made by Police Commissioner Henry Greene.

Benschop spent that night (Thursday) in the Grove Police Station lockups and was released without charge, on $25,000 station bail.

On his release, he claimed that two laptop computers, US$4,500, and a computer are among a list of items missing from his home following a search and the removal of an electronic device from his premises.

According to Commissioner Greene, ranks got a call from the National Frequency Management Unit (NFMU) for assistance as they went in search of a piece of electronic equipment that was being used unlawfully.

The Top Cop said that from his knowledge, the NFMU officials did not find Benschop at home when they arrived, but he could not say if the NFMU officials went in search of Benschop.

His ranks remained on the ground.

Greene said from his understanding of the matter Benschop was approached, but he challenged the document produced and denied the officials entry to his premises.

The commissioner said that Benschop was arrested and placed in the vehicle after he assaulted a policeman.

“Then the NFMU, using their powers under the warrant, were able to break the house, entered and we’re told that they found a transmitter,” Greene stated.