Pompey makes first court appearance as magistrate

Former Deputy Commissioner of Police Bertie Pompey now sits as the new magistrate at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court.

Pompey made his first court appearance as a magistrate on Wednesday, after he was sworn in at Government House last Friday in the presence of Governor General Sir Frederick Ballantyne,{{more}} Attorney-General Judith Jones Morgan, president of the Bar Association René Baptiste, Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne-Matthias and chief personnel officer (ag) Mekel Burke.

Speaking to SEARCHLIGHT on Wednesday, Pompey said he intends to uphold the legal saying that a person is innocent until proven guilty.

“I intend to be fair to everyone and to show transparency in everything I do,” he said, reiterating that he would not harbour prejudice before he reviews a case and it’s evidence.

The former deputy COP, who was called to the bar in November 2004, noted that he has been involved in prosecution both in the Family Court and the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court.

“I did appear on several occasion in civil suits against police officers during my tenure in the police force,” he added.

After leaving the force, Pompey worked at Marks & Marks Chambers, where he dealt with several matters both in chambers and open court in Kingstown and Calliaqua.