Prosecutor annoyed over adjournment matter

Prosecutor Station Sergeant Nigel Butcher was highly annoyed on Wednesday at the Serious Offences Court when the defense counsel Ronald Marks requested an adjournment in a matter that had been ongoing for quite some time. “This is somewhat unfair to the prosecution, there have been several adjournments in the matter by the defence and this is just unacceptable your worship,” stressed Butcher.

Marks’ application for an adjournment in a cocaine possession matter involving Jovan James, 25, of South Rivers was made because according to Marks, he wanted to properly adduce medical evidence given by a doctor. Marks argued the point that his client was badly beaten in his face and about his body and sustained injuries when he denied any knowledge about the drugs.{{more}}

James was arrested and charged on August 14, 2006 for having 245 grams of cocaine along with EC$10,845 and US$570.

According to evidence given by Police, the 25-year-old was seen travelling from Barrouallie towards Layou in motor vehicle RD749 at about 11.40 p.m. The officers signaled the vehicle to stop and James is said to have thrown a back pack about two feet away from the vehicle while officers were approaching. The bag was retrieved and a black plastic bag containing a white substance resembling cocaine was found. The money was found in the same bag.

Marks said that his client only owned up to the drugs because of the beating he received from the police.

Marks said that the evidence of the doctor is crucial to his client’s defense. “I want my client to have a fair trial, that is all I am asking for,’ said Marks.

Chief Magistrate Simone Churaman granted Marks’ application for an adjournment.