Ten Cases lined up for February Assizes

The new resident High Court Judge her Ladyship the Honourable Justice Indra Hariprashad-Charles presided over the opening of the February Assizes on Tuesday 1 February. 

Justice Hariprashad-Charles informed the jury that they will be playing a very important role in the Assizes since they will determine its success. She was concerned however by the absence of two of the jurors and was sure to announce that she planned to enforce the maximum fines whenever a juror is absent. The maximum fine being $250 will be added to every day a juror is absent until they finally show up.

 The new judge explained that she is not trying to threaten the jury but she believes in principles and she pointed out that a juror will be excused if they communicate with the court and ask to be excused, but if they take it upon themselves and just decides to stay away then they will be fined.

The Assizes will be trying the following cases: Akeem Sebastian for wounding with intent, unlawful use of a firearm, and keeping a firearm without licence; Devin Maduro for unlawful sexual intercourse with a girl under the age of sixteen and indecent assault; Robert Thomas for aggravated burglary, wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and arson; Allen George for wounding, assault occasioning actual bodily harm; Kyle Cleveland Weeks for burglary; Robelto Harrigan and Vernon Alex Lake for rape, aggravated burglary, robbery and attempting to pervert the course of justice; Terry Smith and Anthony Dabreo for attempted robbery and burglary; Clinton Hamm for unlawful sexual intercourse with a girl under the age of sixteen; Lincoln Frazer for damage to property and Clarence Collymore for wounding with intent.