Prosecutor’s lateness
A Police Prosecutor who was late for an afternoon session at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court has caused the dismissal of eight cases.
Lance Corporal David Goodridge, who is the current prosecutor, arrived about 15 minutes late to the courtroom on Thursday. Presiding Magistrate Zamina Seepaul-Ally commenced the session in his absence.
Though the gravity of each offence was not read out in court, Ally dismissed the cases on the grounds of absence of the Prosecution.
The defendants, whose cases were dismissed, were not present at the time. Those freed included Jagdesh Narine, Quason Bobb, Ravindra Sugdeo, Mario Profit and Denzil Astrage.
Additionally, Jamal Bourne, who was said to be a prisoner en route to court also had his case dismissed, owing to Prosecutor Goodridge’s absence.
The Saprendaam Magistrate’s Court is currently being housed at the Better Hope Community Centre due to reconstruction works that are on-going.
