Hackshaw asks for different Magistrate

Queens Drive resident Eric Hackshaw doesn’t want his court hearing to be presided over by Senior Magistrate Carl Joseph, a former politician who contested the 1998 general elections as a New Democratic Party (NDP) candidate in the West St. George constituency. {{more}}
Hackshaw’s lawyer, Bayliss Fredrick said Wednesday that his client does not believe he would get a fair trial before the Senior Magistrate Joseph because of past confrontations when he campaigned against him during a previous general elections.
Hackshaw’s concern was highlighted by his lawyer after he was refused permission to make certain comments, having already pleaded not guilty to charges of driving motor vehicle HB575 without a driver’s permit, using the said vehicle without the relevant insurance policy, using the vehicle without licence and driving the vehicle in a manner which was dangerous to the public.
The Senior Magistrate, a Minister of Legal Affairs and former Attorney General, explained to Hackshaw that because he had pleaded not guilty to the charges, he was not allowed to make comments or say what he wished then, but would be given that opportunity when the matter goes to trial.
It was at that instant that Hackshaw’s lawyer informed the court that what his client wanted to say was that he was opposed to having his matter tried by the Senior Magistrate. The lawyer, however, said that he did not wish to be associated with the allegation made by his client against the Senior Magistrate.
Meanwhile, Fredrick has expressed concern that his client was arrested for such traffic offences. He said in such traffic matters, the usual procedure was to proceed by court summons. He said his client was arrested and charged on July 21, and was remanded in custody until July 28 when he was granted bail in his own recognizance by newly appointed magistrate Carlyle Dougan, Q.C.
Senior Magistrate Joseph has scheduled Hackshaw’s trial for August 25.