Guerra slams State lawyer

DEFENCE lawyer Theodore Guerra SC criticised a State prosecutor, describing her as insolent, when the ballot-tampering case against Ian Atherly, former campaign manager for San Fernando West MP Diane Seukeran, continued in the San Fernando Magistrates Court yesterday.

Guerra’s outburst came after State attorney Maurissa Joseph sought an adjournment of the case because she had a matter in the San Fernando High Court. Atherley is charged with tampering with a ballot-box at the polling station housed in the Mon Repos Fire Station, in the run up to last year’s General Elections. Not happy with the State attorney’s request, Guerra accused Joseph of being insolent, which he said was reflected in the last minute call she made to him saying she was “unable to make it.” Guerra also accused Joseph of having, “no consideration for this matter.” He told Magistrate Mark Wellington, “it was the choice of the prosecutor to adjourn the matter to today.” He was referring to a request Joseph made at the last hearing of the case to have it adjourned to yesterday. Guerra said he was ready to continue the matter.

Joseph explained to Magistrate Wellington that she wanted the matter adjourned because she had another matter at the San Fernando High Court and was only informed of this on Tuesday after lunch. Magistrate Wellington asked her why she did not ask one of her colleagues to handle the High Court matter and Joseph replied that “there was no one available in the office to take it.” Guerra was still not satisfied with Joseph’s explanation. He reminded Magistrate Wellington of how cases were done in “the old days” and lamented that “the new people coming into the bar do not respect tradition.” Guerra also said that there was a “fall in standards.” Magistrate Wellington pointed out to both parties that “this matter should be closed.” “It started in February and we’re now into June,” he noted.  He adjourned the case to next Wednesday and warned Joseph: “If you can’t make it, have a meeting with one of your colleagues.”