Security beefed-up at Sando Court

SECURITY at the San Fernando Magistrates Court was beefed-up yesterday with gun and baton-toting policemen patrolling the courthouse in the aftermath of Monday’s rioting by Remand Yard prisoners.

The prisoners on Monday smashed lighting fixtures in the cell block and used the electrical wires to tie the gates of the cells and prevent the Court and Process Branch policemen from moving in. They also hurled obscenities and faeces at police officers. Sources said the riot broke out when some of the prisoners learnt that their cases were being adjourned after a Magistrate did not show up for duty. However, despite the increased police presence yesterday, inmates who were brought to the court in vans, were once again shouting and cursing, with some even banging the metal sides of the vans. This time, that was all they could do, as the police officers moved in swiftly to maintain order. With the heavy police presence in place, proceedings at the High Court and the Magistrates’ Court were delayed for nearly half an hour as the prisoners were kept in the transport vans longer than usual while police officers took up strategic points around the court-house.

Yesterday, the prisoners once again accused the police of treating them badly. They also shouted to their friends and relatives who had gathered a short distance away. Even media photographers were not allowed too near to the court house while the inmates were being taken out of the transport vans. The court house was cordoned off with officers guarding all points of entry and exit. Instead of the usual 9 am start to proceedings, officers started taking out the inmates from the transport vehicles at 9.35 am. They were placed into the same holding cells in the basement of the court house, where the riot broke out on Monday. Security in the court-rooms was also high with police officers and MTS guards keeping a close watch on the prisoners as their cases were called before Magistrates and JPs. Officers also lined the corridors and entry and exit points to the prisoners’ holding bay in the court rooms. Magistrate Sonia Aleong, who presided over the Second Court yesterday, explained that she came off private leave to hear matters. Sources said heightened security at the court-house would be maintained “indefinitely”.