MARCH CRIMINAL ASSIZES OPENED TUESDAY

The March Criminal Assizes opened here on Tuesday March 2nd with fourteen cases on the list.

The presiding judge is Her Ladyship Justice Suzie d'Auvergne. Michael Fallis, who is charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm had his case adjourned until 31st March; Akeem Sebastian, who is charged with keeping a firearm without a license, must return to court March 25th; Levin Wheatley, who faces arson charges but did not appear in court, had his case adjourned until Wednesday; Bernard Drigo, who is also charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm and was also not in court, had his case adjourned to March 5th and Adrian Hodge, who faces 4 counts of robbery, wounding, wrongful confinement and assault occasioning actual bodily harm, had his case adjourned until March 29th. He was sent back to prison, while the bail continues for the other men on the same terms and conditions.

Albelto John was unrepresented Tuesday but was expected to know who was assigned as his lawyer when he returned to court the following day. He is in jail and is charged with burglary and criminal damage. Khoy Flemming, who is charged with arson, was also unrepresented. The court ordered an evaluation for him and he is to return to court April 5th.

Meantime, in a list of sexual offences cases, Tavis Mills is charged with rape and unlawful sexual intercourse; Lloyd Arthur is charged with indecent assault with a girl under 13 years; Benson Thomas faces two counts of rape and unlawful sexual intercourse with a girl under 16 while Terry L. Hodge will have to answer to charges of indecent assault with a girl under 13 years and assault.

The proposed trial date for the case of Mills was set for March 23rd; Arthur will have to return to court March 11th; Thomas' case was set to begin Wednesday and Hodge's case will begin March 15th. All of these men are out on bail.

In addition, Ronnelle Bobb had her case traversed to the next assizes. She is charged with using corrosive substance with intent to do grievous bodily harm and assault causing actual bodily harm. And Crystal Vanterpool's case will be heard March 9th. She has to answer to charges of wounding and criminal damage.

The first case to begin Tuesday was that of Shawn Francis, who pleaded guilty to robbery.

The March Criminal Assizes is estimated to run until April 6th. Before the business of the day began Tuesday, Mr. J. S. Archibald Queen's Counsel took the opportunity, on behalf of the Bar Association, to congratulate Justice d'Auvergne on being awarded the Gold Medal of Honour by her native St. Lucia, for her contribution to the judicial and legal profession. Principal Crown Counsel Mr. Evans Welch also extended congratulations on behalf of the Attorney General's Chambers.