Isaac wonders whether political interference played a part in bail proceedings heard by High Court judge on a public holiday

6
Isaac

REAL NEWS- D.Gisele Isaac, Chairman of the United Progressive Party (UPP), suspects there was some degree of political interference in the bail proceedings for three people who were arrested and charged in relation to fraud at the Customs Department.

In what a legal source says was an unusual procedure, the Magistrates’ Court was bypassed, and the bail applications were submitted to a High Court judge, reportedly via email, on Carnival Monday, a public holiday.

The accused – Customs Officer Joezine Christian and Customs brokers Rowan Matthew and Foston George – were each granted bail in the sum of $10,000, with no cash deposit, under several conditions.

Isaac is asking what special arrangements were made for the release of the trio over the four-day weekend.

Something appears to be not quite right with how the matter transpired, Isaac says.

She notes that incidents like these bring the justice system into disrepute, prompting persons to question and criticize the legal system, which, many feel, favour those with connections and money.

Meanwhile, Matthew of Judges Hill Estate, George of Pares Village, and Christian of Buckleys have been jointly charged with conspiracy to defraud, an offence that allegedly occurred on November 6, 2017, at the Deep Water Harbour.

Matthew and George are also charged jointly for obtaining money by false pretense.

Christian faces two additional charges – corruption in public office and cheating the public revenue – which also occurred in November 2017.

They will return to court on October 5 for committal proceedings.

Advertise with the mоѕt vіѕіtеd nеwѕ ѕіtе іn Antigua!
We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages.
Contact us at [email protected]

6 COMMENTS

    • She is right.

      The customs// christian fiasco involves the PM and AG and their friends and associates.

      What Giselle is saying is possible, that’s why the privy council. should remain as our final appellate court.

    • Please make some sense, we are not learning anything from you. You are really a member of your organization.

  1. A…was this the first time this was done by the Judiciary?

    It’s a legitimate question and is in need of investigation(s). This is the reason why there MUST be Independent bodies to investigate these types of actions by public officials.

  2. THE PEOPLE wonder if Mrs. Arrindell have the nerve to want to run this country after BLASTING IT. oh the UWI is W-A-T-E-R-E-D D-O-W-N

    anti-UWI FIVE ISLANDS. Did she QUIT like she said she would?

    • Stick to what she asked to be investigated. Don’t try to switch what has been asked for. What say you.

Comments are closed.