State attorney burnt at home

The incident was brought to the attention of the court by Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Geoffrey Henderson, who was at the Hall of Justice for another matter.

Before the Port-of-Spain Fourth Criminal Court was Jenelle Estrada of Guayaguayare. She is before Justice Anthony Carmona charged with possession of marijuana at the Port-of-Spain port on January 4, 2002, for the purpose of trafficking.

When the case was called, junior attorney Shoba Jamunar told the court that Singh was involved in an accident on Monday night. Carmona asked if Singh was in a vehicular accident, and about the seriousness of the injuries.

Henderson, who was representing the State in the re-sentencing hearing of convicted killer Leroy Andrews, got up and told the court that Singh was seriously injured at home on Monday night. He said the prosecutor was burnt at home.

Carmona intervened, "You mean she received her injuries while performing her culinary skills? It is always pleasing to know that a professional woman finds time to cook at home." This brought laughter from everyone, including the jury. Jamunar asked that the case be rescheduled for tomorrow in order for the State to make alternate arrangements.

Carmona told Jamunar that she was competent enough to carry on. Jamunar then asked that the case be put off to this morning so she can prepare herself to continue with the matter. No evidence has yet been adduced at the trial.

The nine-member jury and two alternates were empanelled on Monday.