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Social activist, Costie Ralph’s request for his matter to be heard with the Air-condition Unit (AC) off, is historic, as far as Senior Magistrate Rickie Burnett’s court history goes. 
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The former Primary School teacher, who is charged with assault, causing bodily harm, made the request when his matter was called, at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday.
“I cannot function under Air-condition,” the Fountain resident told the Magistrate.
“So, you want me to have a special court for you, without Air-condition?” Burnett asked.
“I had a breakdown in February,” Ralph replied.
Burnett then told him that he would grant him his request, but he had to hear all the other matters, before accommodating him.
When Ralph was recalled to the stand, the Air-condition Unit was turned off, and the windows were opened.
The Senior Magistrate contended, “In all my years in Court, and I have been in the Court system for almost my entire life, it is the first time I have heard a request like that.”
Burnett said he had to grant Ralph’s request in order for him to receive a fair trial.
Ralph is charged with assaulting Joanne Samuel, causing her bodily harm.
The incident is alleged to have taken place at Massy Stores, Arnos Vale, February 8, 2018, where Samuel is employed.
The matter was part heard on Wednesday, and adjourned to July 2.
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Ralph is conducting his own defence.
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