Big bail keeps cop, wife in jail

IT HAS been three weeks since a police officer and his companion were granted bail of $950,000 each, but up to yesterday, in their third court appearance, both  remained in-carcerated. Appearing for the third time before a Tunapuna magistrate was 42-year- old PC David Wellington and his 22-year-old common-law wife, Rika Samuel. They were arrested and charged by officers of the Firearm Inter-diction Unit for possession of firearms and possession of cocaine on September 16. Although they were granted bail, the couple has been unable to find anyone to post their large bail sum and, as a result. Even after the bail was reduced to $400,000 each yesterday, they remained behind bars.

When the couple appeared before Tuna-puna Magistrate Joanne Connor, they stood sol-emnly in the docks, glancing occasionally at relatives who filled the courtroom. Their attorney, Om Lalla, was not present. Complainant in the matter, Insp Mitchell Manswell, told the magistrate the exhibits were all still at the Forensic Science Centre. Wellington and Samuel were held early on September 16, following surveillance of their Curepe home by officers of the Firearm Inter-diction Unit. The matter was adjourned to October 12.