At Berbice Assizes…
JUSTICE Diana Insanally has postponed the robbery under arms trial of Orin Burnett, to May 18, giving him time to secure a defence counsel.

The recently appointed judge, sitting for the first time at the Berbice Assizes Tuesday, made the decision after listening to the unrepresented accused in the dock.

Before State Prosecutor Ganesh Hira presented the indictment, Justice Insanally enquired of Burnett if he had retained a lawyer and, he responded in the negative.

The accused claimed he was victimised because the magistrate, who conducted the preliminary inquiry (PI) into in the charge, belonged to the same social organisation as the alleged victim.

Burnett complained that he had spent 18 months on remand in prison and would need three months to secure the services of counsel, as he would have to find at least $150,000.

“I am in jail all the time. I do not have anyone out there to help me,” he lamented.

Burnett also asked whether he could enter a plea to a lesser count, saying: “I do not know anything about this case, but I would plead guilty.”

However, after consulting with Hira, the judge told Burnett she does not want him to feel that he is being forced to make a choice and, consequently, would grant him the adjournment he needs.