THE Berbice Criminal Assizes had its ceremonial opening of its October sessions in which 53 cases are slated for hearing, including the case of the State versus Chatram Moonsammy who has been indicted on 12 counts of dangerous driving.After inspecting the guard of honour mounted by ranks drawn from the Central Police Station, outside the High Court building on Tuesday, Justice Navindra Singh told the jury in waiting that another judge, Justice William Ramlal who is expected to preside, is currently on sick leave and should resume duty by November 5.

However, among the accused persons listed for trial this session are Krishna, called ‘John’ and his son Romel Krishna who are facing a second indictment of attempted murder and wounding with intent. The duo had previously faced a first indictment of murder. They had faced three trials, including two aborted hearings due to improprieties. At the final trial, the jury had returned a not-guilty verdict.

Another high-profile case listed is that of alleged bank robbers Terrance Azore, Marlon Lepps and Henry Lindie. They are  accused of being armed with  guns  when they robbed the Demerara Bank of $11,200,000.The incident occurred at  Rose Hall, Corentyne, Berbice, on August 11, 2006.
In addition, Jaber Fresco, called ‘Bull,’ is indicted with seven counts of carnal knowledge of a girl under 15 years.
Another case of public interest is the second indictment of Hallman Hunte and Sohan Busjit over robbery under arms committed on Probation Officer Nadine Crawford. Initially, the men had been indicted for murder allegedly committed on fireman Delon Collins. However, the jury acquitted the duo.
The list also includes four accused persons for whom Bench Warrants had been issued since 2003: Newton Hope (murder) along with Dhanraj Kumar and Carlton Haynes who are facing a manslaughter indictment.