Persad moves for financial justice

Speaking with Newsday at the Hall of Justice yesterday, Persad said he had already faxed his attorneys in England to request the reconvention of the Privy Council Court to consider the issue of compensation.

Persad is hoping to have the same team of judges that quashed his conviction — Lords Rodger of Earlsferry, Slynn of Hadley, Hutton, Walker of Gestingthorpe and Sir Andrew Leggatt — to determine the sum of money to which he is entitled.

According to Persad, although his family’s support dwindled during his incarceration, he never gave up hope because he knew he was innocent.

He said even the deceased’s brother, whom he met while in prison, indicated that based on the evidence that came out during the trials, he (Persad) was innocent.

He said during his trials, crucial evidence regarding police conspiracy had not been allowed into evidence by the trial judge.

But although he had been found guilty, Persad lauded the work of his attorney Sophia Chote. "She did an exceptional job," he said.

Persad, now 39 years old, was a 18 years old when he was jointly charged with Ramsingh Jairam with the April 4, 1985, murder of Premraj Mahabir, and raping Mahabir’s fiancee. Persad said although he had been released from prison since January 24, 2002, he felt free for the first time when he received the Privy Council’s judgment last week.