Television news footage shown in court

PERSONS in the San Fernando Magistrates’ First Court were literally glued to the television on Thursday as video footage of a TV6 news story was shown when the ballot-box tampering case against a top PNM activist resumed. The video footage, which was recorded by TV6 cameraman Ivan Toolsie on October 4, 2000, was shown while Toolsie was on the witness stand as a prosecution witness, against Ian Artherly — former campaign manager of San Fernando West MP, Diane Seukeran. Artherly is accused of tampering with a ballot box at the South Fire Service Headquarters, Mon Repos, on October 4, 2000 - a day of special voting for General Elections, which was held that year. The footage, less than 2 minutes long, was tendered for viewing by attorney from the Director of Public Prosecutions office, Marissa Joseph, who is leading the State’s case. Artherly’s attorney Theodore Guerra SC objected to the video saying it was an edited version of the footage recorded in which original audio was voiced over by a reporter. Guerra said it was not a true depiction of the event. 

Senior Magistrate Mark Wellington rose and went into his chambers for 20 minutes. When he returned, he ruled that the footage be shown. The State also called to the witness stand TV6 senior reporter, Rosemarie Sant. Sant, who is six months pregnant, gave evidence for about 15 minutes, then complained of feeling unwell. Magistrate Wellington stood down the matter for a short while and when he resumed the hearing, Joseph was at Sant’s side comforting her. Guerra rose an objection saying that Joseph was communicating with a witness who was still under oath. “I know my friend is qualified in law, but I don’t know if she is qualified in medicine,” Guerra said. Hearing was adjourned to July 30 when Sant is expected to continue her testimony.