HIGH COURT JUDGE ASKED TO STEP ASIDE IN CONTINUOUS ABDF MATTER
Captain Javonson Willock has filed an application calling for the recusal of Justice Rene Williams, the Presiding High Court Judge, in his case against the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force (ABDF).
Willock states that bias, unfair treatment, and undue pressure have compromised the fairness of future proceedings before the Learned Judge. Willock claims that during one of the hearings, the judge said, “I am not going to be easy on you because you are representing yourself…So be warned… I am not going to be easy on you.” Willock contends that this statement is dangerous and that the trial before the said judge in this matter will be unsafe.
Willock further claims that the judge has been unduly pressuring him to retain a Lawyer, disregarding his right to represent himself and without considering his financial means. Willock also highlighted instances where the ABDF has failed to comply with court orders and the rules governing civil matters, but the judge imposed no sanctions against them. However, he claimed that the only mistake he made during the entire proceedings was filing an application to cross-examine the ABDF witnesses a few days late. For this breach, he was fined $750 by the Judge.
Willock says that the combination of the Judge’s remarks, pressure to seek legal counsel, and partiality towards the ABDF jeopardizes the fairness of the trial scheduled for October 8, 2025. Willock emphasized that justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done. He contends that a judge’s impartiality is central to public trust in the courts, and that even the appearance of bias risks undermining confidence in the judicial process.
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This is best decision that willock could have done. God nah sleep. That Judge deh huh… hope He does not have to face the same judgement he has pass inpartially on many ppl like me..
Great move.
He believes that she is the government’s judge and must side with government’s interest.
Is he the “driving” judge?
Hope he always level headed when he comses to court.
well well this case have in more drama than Victor & Nikki
Congratulations brother Willock. Great move. If you are competent enough, nothing is wrong to represent yourself but the Judge has the rights to advice you to seek legal counsel but if you insist, you should be allowed to represent yourself. The remarks she made to you in the court room, is very damaging. She should not only remove from the case but KICKED OUT from the case. She dam out of order.