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Treason PI adjourned again

Oct 14, 2011 News

 

 

– Chief Magistrate expresses disapproval

The preliminary inquiry (PI) into the treason matter involving Major Bruce Munroe, his wife Carol-Ann Munroe, and reserve officer Leonard Wharton, was yesterday adjourned after the court was told that the prosecutors from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP)’s chambers would not be available for the hearing.
The accused appeared before acting Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court once again, only to hear that the matter concerning them would have to continue on another date.
Police Prosecutor Steven Telford rose to inform the court that the Director of Public Prosecutions, Shalimar Ali-Hack would be unable to make the proceedings as she was unwell. The court also heard that the matter could not be handled when it was called yesterday because Sonya Joseph, a prosecutor in the matter, was on annual leave.
The police inspector urged the court that it should show its discretion since it would be quite normal for anyone to get sick and there was no telling when this could occur. The lawman claimed that the prosecutors in the matter would be unavailable for the upcoming week.
Attorney at law Nigel Hughes was clearly disappointed at the adjournment application made by the prosecution, and later saw it fit to apply for the matter to be discharged. The lawyer, in expressing his displeasure, claimed that it was the fifth or sixth occasion that the DPP had been unable to proceed in the matter.
The lawyer emphasized that the charge of treason is a serious one and he could not understand the constant absence of the prosecutors. This particular matter, according to the lawyer, is of great importance. Hughes opined that there must be someone in the prosecution’s chambers who could take up the matter as they must have known annual leave of the prosecutor was imminent. He reiterated that the constant absence of the prosecution was unacceptable.
Magistrate Sewnarine-Beharry also expressed her disappointment with the development and indicated to Prosecutor Telford that it seemed as if the prosecution was dragging its feet on the case. She chided the prosecutor for requesting an adjournment in the matter claiming that the DPP is ill, but yet no medical report was presented to that effect.
The Magistrate made it clear that a medical is required to support the claim of the prosecution. Magistrate Beharry further asserted that if the prosecution was not available at the next hearing she would certainly entertain the applications of the defence, not necessarily granting them, but she would have to take into consideration the lawyer’s application.
“When this happens valuable judicial time is lost. Other matters could have been heard had the adjournment been applied for earlier. I set aside the day for the matter and the prosecution is not ready to precede,” the magistrate stated emphatically.
The Chief Magistrate concluded by saying that she was fed up with the prosecution’s excuses.
The three accused will visit the Magistrates’ Court again in less than two weeks’ time, with the next court date being October 24.

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