JUSTICE Roxanne George yesterday told 19 prisoners of the Georgetown jail, who have repeatedly requested early trials that she would intervene on their behalf and would ensure that they are tried as early as practicable.
Those unrepresented by counsel are to be provided with legal representation, the judge told the 17 murder accused and two carnal knowledge offenders at the jail delivery report yesterday, marking the closing of the session.
At the jail delivery for the prisoners who are incarcerated and awaiting trial at the Demerara Assizes, Justice George observed that there are 175 prisoners awaiting trial as compared to 139 at this time last year.
Of that 175, 139, including seven females, are awaiting trial for murder. Nineteen prisoners have requested early trials, according to Senior Superintendent Trevor Small, who presented the jail delivery.
These prisoners were brought before the judge, including the longest incarcerated prisoner, Kenrick Heywood, for whom Justice George had previously ordered psychiatric evaluation. He has been in prison since 2003.
Supt. Small indicated this evaluation was completed.
Attorneys-at-Law Mr. Linden Amsterdam, Mr. Basil Williams and Mr. Hukumchand appeared and made representation on behalf of their respective clients.
State Prosecutor Miss Konyo Sandiford, who appeared with Ms. Judith Gildharie-Mursalin, indicated that the State was making diligent efforts to have the persons in custody the longest tried during this session.
Justice George commended the State for seeking to break down the previous numbers by trying a number of the cases in relation to orders she previously made during May 2010 Session.
Justice George also observed that there are only two judges presiding at criminal trials during each session and only a few matters are dealt with; but every effort must be made to have as many of these matters tried, she enphasised.
Justice George assured some of the unrepresented prisoners that she would intervene on their behalf with Chief Justice (Ag.) Mr. Ian Chang to obtain State assigned attorneys to represent them at their trial.
The two judges assigned at the June criminal session which begins on Tuesday are Justice George and Justice Winston Patterson.
Between them, they are expected to try 196 cases, including 41 murders, 24 manslaughter, 11 attempted murders, 51 carnal knowledge, 27 rapes, seven buggery, two narcotics and five offences of robbery.