FIFTH ‘STRIKE’ FOR EDDIE HART CASE

THE MATTER involving the assault charge brought against Tunapuna Member of Parliament, Eddie Hart by former Chaguanas Mayor, Orlando Naggasar was yesterday adjourned for the fifth time by a Clerk of the Peace in the absence of a magistrate at the Tunapuna Magistrates’ Second Court. Hart was charged with assaulting the former mayor on September 11, 2002 at the Tunapuna Elections and Boundaries Commission office during the run-up to the October 2002 General Elections.  The indictable charge was laid by ASP Dereck Trim. Clerk of the Peace, Bally Maharaj called and adjourned all the matters that were scheduled to be heard in the Second Court. 

The reason for the magistrate’s absence was not disclosed to the media. Both the accused and the virtual complainant, along with witnesses, were present and ready to proceed with the matter. In a telephone interview with Newsday, Nagassar said he was disappointed that the matter was adjourned again. He said it was frustrating to have to leave his home to attend court to have the matter put off again and again.  He did not know what the problem was, he said, since both sides were ready to proceed.  Efforts to contact Hart proved futile. Hart will re-appear before a magistrate at the Tunapuna courthouse on December 15.