POLICEMEN Jurmin Scott, Marlon Gonsalves and Wilwert Watts, whom a magistrate had jailed for 18 months for assaulting a businessman, had the hearing of their petition for bail pending appeal against conviction adjourned to Sept. 6.

The hearing of their bail petition began at the High Court yesterday before Acting Chief Justice, Mr. Ian Chang, SC, and the applicants were listed as being represented by a team of 12 lawyers, headed by Mr.  Richard B. Fields, SC. Their matter began in Chambers and was adjourned to September 6 for the hearing of further arguments.
In their petition for bail pending appeal, the petitioners claimed they are serving officers of the Guyana Police Force, and have never previously been the subject of any criminal investigation. They say that on July 14, 2012, they were charged with the summary offence of assault causing actual bodily harm, contrary to Section 30 of the Summary Offences Act Ch 8:02 of the laws of Guyana.
Your petitioners appeared before Her Worship, Ms. Judy Latchman, where they pleaded not guilty. The Learned Magistrate heard and determined the said matter, and sentenced the petitioners to eighteen months’ imprisonment.
On August 6, 2013, your petitioners appealed the said decision. Your petitioners are advised by their attorney-at-law, and verily believe, that the petitioners are likely to serve the sentence before the appeal is heard.
Your petitioners are further advised, and verily believe, that the sentences were manifestly excessive.
Your petitioners undertake to abide with any conditions imposed by the Honourable Court.
In the premises, application is hereby most respectfully made to the Honourable Court that your petitioners be admitted to bail in a reasonable sum.
Your petitioners humbly pray that this Honourable Court will be graciously pleased to grant such further or other orders as may be just.
An affidavit in support of the Petition and signed by the petitioners was drawn by Mr. C. A. Nigel Hughes, Attorney-at-Law.