I WANT JUSTICE, NOT MONEY

A LAVENTILLE man who was yesterday awarded a total of $45,000 in damages after filing a constitutional motion against the State, has expressed dissatisfaction with the judgment. Despite yesterday’s judgment in his favour, 57-year-old Ronald Gordon of San Juan told the media he did not want money, he wanted justice. Gordon added that he had been tried without legal representation and ended up being sentenced to 22 years in prison and receiving 12 strokes with the birch. He insists that he wants his name cleared of these charges, even if it means going as far as the Privy Council. Gordon was convicted on October 29, 1992, and was sentenced to a total of 22 years in prison for the offences. Because the sentences were supposed to run concurrently, he was expected to serve 12 years.

After his sentence, Gordon indicated to the trial judge that he wanted to appeal the conviction and sentence and was told to lodge his appeal when he went down to the cell. However, before he could do so he fell ill and was taken to the Port-of-Spain General Hospital for medical attention. He remained warded there until October 31, when he was taken by police to the San Fernando and Couva police stations and placed on ID parades. He returned to the hospital on November 3, where he stayed until December 4, when he was taken to the State Prison.

Gordon served 12 years and 36 days,  and was released on December 1, 2000. He was awarded $40,000 by Justice Sebastian Ventour for unlawful detention, and $5,000 for being denied of his right to appeal. Whether he had won or lost that appeal did not matter now, the judge said.  Gordon was represented by attorney Kenneth Thompson, while State attorney Nadine Nabbie appeared for the Attorney General.