PM’s son on conditional bail for abusive assault

Mar 04, 2014 News

Samuel Hinds Jr., son of the Prime Minister, was yesterday granted conditional bail by a city Magistrate after he was hauled before the courts, on the strength of an arrest warrant, to face charges for brandishing a gun, thrashing and threatening to kill his sister-in-law a few days ago.
The 33-year-old gold miner who appeared before Magistrate Geeta Chandan-Edmond at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court was ordered to comply with seven conditions for bail.

Accused: Samuel Hinds Jnr.

Hinds’ case was called earlier that day by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry but due to the absence of both parties, an arrest warrant was issued for him while a summons was sent out for his sister-in-law who is also expected to be charged.
The matter was transferred to Magistrate Chandan-Edmond and a few hours later Hinds was accompanied by Defence Attorney Charles Ramson Jr. to face his indictment.
By this time, however, the courthouse was flocked with reporters who were eagerly awaiting the arrival of the Prime Minister’s son. As Hinds took note of all the cameras focused on him he asked “Why y’all don’t go and tek out the people who robbing y’all?”
In the courtroom, he stood accused of unlawfully and maliciously wounding his sister-in-law Tenza Layne last Thursday (February 27) at his Lot 83 Duke Street, Kingston residence.
It is alleged too that he used threatening language to Layne.
Hinds however denied all claims and later submitted an application for bail through his attorney.
His case is being prosecuted by Lance Corporal Renetta Bentham who beseeched the court to deny him pre-trial liberty. Bentham explained that the virtual complainant suffered both verbal and brutal physical assault at the hands of Hinds on the day in question.
“The defendant first verbally abused the virtual complainant as he called her a thief. He then threatened to kill her like a thief, your worship.”
The Prosecutor continued that the two reside at the same address and as a result, there is a likelihood that the accused will carry out those threats.
Lance Corporal Bentham offered objections citing physical abuse as a sufficient ground for Hinds to be held in police custody. She explained that he grabbed Layne by her hair and pulled her to the ground.
He reportedly stamped Layne on her face and dragged her around the house by her hair. Bentham said that he also beat her with a cane.
“As if he was not satisfied, the defendant brandished a gun, cranked it and threatened to kill her, your worship. I urge the court to note that the gun has not been lodged, which clearly indicates that if granted bail this defendant would still be in control of that gun,” Bentham said.
The State Prosecutor continued in her objections stating that the Prosecution has no record to support whether he is a licensed firearm holder therefore “the defendant is a danger to the virtual complainant and as such I beg the court to refuse bail.”
Bentham revealed that there are medical reports present for both parties, since Layne is set to face one count of assault causing actual bodily harm.
On the other hand, Ramson who is representing Hinds in association with Attorney at Law Sanjeev Datadin, had a different version of events.
He claimed that on the day in question, Hinds had an argument with his sister-in-law and she attacked him.
According to the lawyer, an altercation ensued and Layne rushed to the kitchen, grabbed a knife and threatened to use it against his client. This, he said, was done in the presence of her sister, Sonia Herbert, who will testify before the court.
The lawyer claimed that Hinds, who is a licensed firearm holder, felt threatened and pulled out his weapon but did not crank it.
In making a bail application, Ramson asked the court to consider that the charges which were pressed against Hinds are bailable offences.
The lawyer said that Hinds, who is a father of one, has community ties as he is a former member of the Queen’s College Alumni as well as “the son of a prominent dignitary.”
According to Ramson, the two parties do not share the same place of abode. “At one point they did, but they no longer do so.” He continued his application stating that Hinds’ firearm was not lodged, but he is prepared to do so.
Ramson also offered his client’s passport as a condition for bail as well.
Notwithstanding the Prosecution’s objections, Magistrate Chandan-Edmond granted Hinds conditional bail in the sum of $150,000.
He was told that he must relocate, and at all times remain 200 yards away from both the virtual complainant as well as the witnesses in the matter. For the court bond, Hinds must surrender his firearm with the police and lodge his passport with the Clerk of Court.
He was ordered to report to the Station Sergeant at the Brickdam Police Station every Friday at 15:00 hours.
The trial is set to commence on March 21 and the accused was also bonded to keep the peace pending the outcome of the trial. (Sunita Samaroo)