‘Mystery’ letter surfaces in court

Pamela Elder SC asked for a postponement of the sentencing on two grounds — that she had just seen the probation officer’s report, and that she had received a letter from her instructing attorney, Sophia Chote. Although Elder did not read out the contents of the letter, Newsday learnt that it had to do with the jury’s verdict of October 4.

Justice Holdip, presiding in the Port-of-Spain Second Criminal Court, postponed sentencing to yesterday pending a probation officer’s report.

Keith Bissessar, 30, and Gabriel Deosaran, 39, were convicted of being in possession of 484 kilos of marijuana for the purpose of trafficking; possession of a nine-millimetre Barreta pistol, and ten rounds of nine-millimetre ammunition on August 6, 1999, at Huggins Street, Tacarigua.

When the matter was called yesterday, Ricky Rahim, who represented Deosaran at the trial, sought leave to withdraw from the matter. He said two letters were submitted outlining the reasons. He pointed out that another lawyer had been instructed in the matter. The judge gave Rahim leave to withdraw. Kenneth Munroe-Brown then informed the court that he was appearing for Deosaran.

Elder, who represents Bissessar, asked for an adjournment on two grounds. She said although the probation officer’s report was available on Monday, she had only seen it yesterday. She stated that Chote faxed a letter dated October 24 to her office at about midday yesterday.

She did not disclose the contents before a packed court. "Apart from the troubling contents of the letter, what bothers me is whether there are legal implications." He then adjourned the matter to this morning.