Senator Frederick’s case put back, Bacchus-Browne now defence witness

In the latest twist in the Senator Vynnette Frederick legal battle, prominent lawyer Kay Bacchus-Browne is no longer representing Frederick, but will now testify as a defence witness.{{more}}

This was disclosed by Frederick’s new attorney, Barbadian Andrew Pilgrim, at the Biabou Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday morning.

Frederick is facing six charges relating to making false declarations and false swearing, between January 10, 2011 and May 23, 2012.

In court, Pilgrim told magistrate Ricky Burnette that he, along with Trinidadian attorney, Keith Scotland, will now be appearing on Frederick’s behalf.

Pilgrim indicated that Bacchus-Browne is “likely” to be called as a defence witness in the matter. He also indicated that the proposed date of April 16 for the trial would be difficult for both he and Scotland, as they will be involved in court matters in their own jurisdictions on that date.

Pilgrim indicated that the court hearing on Wednesday was just to inform the magistrate of the changes for the defense.

The matter was transferred from the Kingstown Magistrate’s court to the Mesopotamia court and then on to Biabou.

And on Wednesday, magistrate Burnette placed a final adjournment on the matter, which is set to be heard on April 30 at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court.

Meanwhile, the Assistant Director of Public Prosecution Colin John expressed his shock at the turn of events.

“Your honour, disclosure of the statements to the defence were made since January 15 and I am somewhat surprised at this stage the defence is indicating that that Bacchus-Browne is a witness in the matter…,” John said.

According to John, he thought it was reasonable to conclude that Bacchus-Browne already had access to the statements, even before she was made a witness in the matter.

John added that he had already asked prosecution witnesses to appear in court for April 16 and the prosecution is ready to proceed in the matter.

The magistrate enquired about correspondence he had received from the defence, in which it was stated that 12 lawyers would be appearing for the defence.

However, Pilgrim assured that court that it is he and Scotland who would have full control over the matter and that all matters would be sorted before the start of the trial.

“…Any significant movement in the matter will be done by myself and Scotland. We will not allow any multiple appearances to delay these proceedings,” Pilgrim assured. (KW)