Judge holds special sitting for long incarcerated prisoners
THE Chambers of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) remains undecided as to whether or not to prepare an indictment against Vijay Seenarine, who, two years ago, was committed to stand trial at the Berbice Assizes, for carnal knowledge.
State Counsel Rhondel Weaver, giving an update on the status of the case, during a special sitting before Justice Roxanne George, said the issue surrounds the statement of the virtual complainant.
Alluding to the fact, that the DPP Chambers had been unable to make recent contact with the alleged victim, Weaver informed the judge that, if consideration for bail is made, the prisoner is not at liberty to leave the New Amsterdam Prison as he has an escape from lawful custody charge pending in New Amsterdam Magistrate’s Court.
On June 11 last, Seenarine along with convicted high seas pirate Kevin ‘Long Hair’ Narine also known Ram Sookdial and Ayodhiaram, Rickford La Fleur called Rickford Williams, who was remanded to prison on two separate charges of murder and another murder accused, Vinood Gopaul has escaped from the New Amsterdam Penitentiary.
However, with the exception of Narine, the others are still at large.
Meanwhile, responding to questions by Justice George, Seenarine said that he was unaware of the status of the case in the lower court, as he is being further remanded every Thursday, when the presiding magistrate goes to the prison.
Following instructions by the judge, enquiries were made by the High Court Registrar, who revealed that the case is fixed for report and fixture on November 25.
Another prisoner Shawn Tyndall, who, on a previous occasion, had requested additional time to retain counsel, said, at yesterday’s hearing, that his relatives were unable to raise the sum requested and as a result, he would be seeking to have a State assigned attorney.
Consequently, at his request, his trial has been set for the February criminal sessions.
Tyndall called Arthur or ‘Asha’, is accused of the unlawful killing Camille Medina De Jonge, between September 24 and 25, 2006, at Manchester Village, Corentyne.
Also appearing before the judge, was Herman Ali alias ‘Shark Eye’, 62, who pleaded to be sent on one dollar bail, as he is stressed out in prison, having been confined there for five years, charged with the 2006 killing of Roydel Sandy.
The prisoner told Justice George: “Just let me be informed of my court date two days before and I will be there. I am no flight risk. I am no tourist, I will come and I would like you to adjudicate in my case.”
The judge said she is ordering that his trial commence at the February 2012 sessions. “Failure of which I have asked that the court consider putting you on bail. However, with respect of me adjudicating in your case, you might not like the outcome,” Justice George told him.
“Well, justice must be done,” Ali responded.