Court prosecutor answers charges in court

Appearing before Magistrate Christine Charles in the Portof- Spain Magistrates Court, Carty, an acting inspector, pleaded not guilty to three charges. The matter, which came up in the 4A courtroom, was adjourned to October 4.

The proceedings have been instituted by the Police Complaints Authority (PCA), the police watchdog body.

The authority has been conducting a probe into the events of the day of “total policing” which took place on March 23, 2015.

On July 21, the PCA invoked its powers under its statute to charge Cathy in relation to inquiries tied to this probe.

It is alleged that Cathy failed or refused to produce within 14 days the agenda and minutes of a meeting held by the PSWA on March 19, 2015, days before a crippling nationwide blockade.

This, in contravention of Section 22(2) (A) of the Act. The offence carries a fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for five years.

Another charge alleges Carty failed to disclose the names of the attendees of the same meeting, also within the stipulated 14-day time frame.

This carries the same penalty.

A third charge alleges the police prosecutor hindered the PCA in the discharge of its functions by refusing to provide it with information and documents requested by letter dated June 3, 2016, relating to the same meeting. This, in contravention of Section 47 (H) (I). The penalty is also the same.

Police officers said Carty would still perform his duties as a court prosecutor notwithstanding the proceedings.

Carty became a trustee of the PSWA earlier this year as part of the Police Empowerment Party slate. He previously served as assistant secretary. The PSWA’s secretary, Inspector Anand Ramesar, has expressed concern over the PCA’s institution of proceedings. PCA Director David West attended court yesterday but declined comment.

The PCA is being represented in the matter by attorney Ravi Rajcoomar.

Carty was represented by attorney Michelle Solomon-Baksh.

Previously, former Attorney General Anand Ramlogan was tied to the case in initial reports. But Ramlogan said yesterday he does not have a practice in the magistrates court.