Prison Officer in court for killing teen

Colleagues of a prison officer charged with murder were among those in the public gallery yesterday at the Arima Magistrates’ Court when Charles Frederick appeared handcuffed before Magistrate Maria Busby Earle Caddle. Proceedings were stalled somewhat at the court as there was a reported shortage of police officers on duty to escort prisoners to the various courtrooms in the building. Shortly before 11 am, Charles Frederick was brought in with prisoners at his side, and exchanged quick glances with family members and colleagues who had come to lend him support. The 46-year-old prison officer was charged with the murder of 17-year-old Giselle Cox-Frederick on March 25 at Mausica Road, Centeno.

Frederick was also charged with wounding with intent to do grievous bodily harm Gracelin Cox-Frederick at Tumpuna Road, Arima. Both charges were laid indictably. After the charges were read by Caddle, police prosecutor Cpl Greenidge told the court of his instructions to have the accused sent for psychiatric evaluation at the St Ann’s Hospital. However Frederick, who was unrepresented, raised objection to being sent to the mental institution, insisting he was threatened with similar action by Sgt Don Lezama of the Arima Police Station if he failed to give a signed confessional statement. The accused gave an account of an alleged conversation between himself and Lezama, which he said took place on Monday. “Sgt Lezama told me I was a stinking murderer.

He told me if I give a confessional statement, it will make things easier for me and if I didn’t, then he will see to it that every pressure be applied to me and he will ensure that I go to St Ann’s,” Frederick said. “He provoked me and badgered me. He forced me to write from a booklet he had and told me where to write my name, date and that the statement was one of my own knowledge and free will,” the accused continued. The complaint was recorded by the magistrate, who ruled afterward that she saw no need to send the accused for psychiatric evaluation. In response to questions raised by Caddle as to whether Frederick should be granted bail for the wounding charge, Cpl Greenidge raised objection. “The victim of that attack is still hospitalised,” said Greenidge. Bail was then denied. The matter was adjourned to April 8.