The recently appointed Magistrate made this clear at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday while presiding over a wounding matter involving Jackeem Wilson of Ashton, Union Island, who was not represented by a lawyer.
When the matter was called, Prosecutor Shamrack Pierre informed the Court that he had sent the investigator, Constable 438 Jomo Gloster, to get the medical form copied, to serve on the defendant.
The police had charged Wilson and given him the charge sheet, but did not serve him with the medical form. The matter was stood down to await the investigator, who returned shortly with the medical form and served it on the defendant.
But the visibly upset Magistrate told the police that, “Persons have a constitutional right to know what they are charged with”, and he reminded them that they (police) are trained professionals.
“You all (police) think that because I was a police officer for 20 years I will come here and side with you all, never happen, the Magistrate declared.
Ballah had been a member of the local constabulary for 20 years, and up to the time of his magisterial appointment, headed the Legal Research and Policies Unit of the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force, and held the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP).
Wilson is charged with, that on June 26, 2023, at Ashton, Union Island, he unlawfully and maliciously wound Dayshaun Joseph of Ashton, stemming from a cutlass incident.
Wilson had pleaded guilty to the offense, but after listening to the defendant’s explanation, the Magistrate entered a not-guilty plea and set a trial date.
Prosecutor Pierre did not object to bail, Wilson was granted $2,000 bail with one surety with reporting conditions, ordered to surrender his travel documents, and have no contact with the virtual complainant. Stop notices will be placed at all ports of entry and exit.
He will return to Court on August 14 for trial.
Source :The Vincentian