– Magistrate forced to adjourn continuation of PI
CONTROVERSIAL television station owner and Leader of the Justice For All Party (JFAP), Mr. Chandra Narine Sharma, yesterday appeared late in court for the continuation of the preliminary inquiry (PI) in the carnal knowledge case against him. Due to his lateness, Magistrate Sueanna Lovell was forced to adjourn the case to another date for the continuation of the PI.
However, just as the magistrate adjourned the case to June 9, Sharma entered the courtroom and apologized for his lateness.
He explained that he was in another court for a separate matter and was unable to make it on time.
Special Prosecutor in the case, Ms. Sonia Joseph, is prosecuting the case on behalf of the State. She agreed for the PI to continue on the date given since the order that was granted to Sharma by the High Court for him to seek medical attention overseas has expired.
Sharma’s lawyer Mr. Nigel Hughes was also not present for the proceedings.
On April 20, 2009, Magistrate Melissa Robertson refused bail for Sharma after she read a charge to him that said, between July 23, 2003 and July 23, 2004, he had carnal knowledge of a girl under seven years old.
Bail was granted the following day in another court in the sum of $2M and the preliminary inquiry subsequently commenced. (Nathalene DeFreitas)