Defence lawyers vex — evidence taken in their absence

Attorneys representing three of the four persons accused in the kidnapping of pre-school student Saada Singh, yesterday expressed serious concern before the presiding magistrate that the preliminary inquiry commenced in their absence. Attorneys Keith Beckles and Ian Gray complained to Deputy Chief Magistrate Mark Wellington, about the taking of evidence in the preliminary inquiry when defence counsel were not present to represent their clients. On the last day’s hearing on November 10, defence attorneys Ian Gray and Dexter Bailey were engaged in other matters before other courts, while Beckles was ill. “I am just wondering if the State counsel was not present if the case would continue?” Beckles asked.

Magistrate Wellington however, would not entertain the complaints from the attorneys. “Do not waste my time,” the magistrate responded. “You all (defence attorneys) were pressing to start the matter.” The attorneys added that documents pertaining to the case were received from the State on the morning of the last day of the hearing. State Counsel Chris Seelochan responded that when initial disclosure of documents was made on July 27, he did not have the entire file at hand then. Gray is defending Jonathan Moonsammy, 23, while Beckles represents kidnap accused Colleen Osbourne, 22, of Pleasantville, and Keston Franklin 25. Attorney for the fourth accused Kimberly Moonsammy, 22, of Jarvis Street, San Fernando was said to be engaged in a matter in the San Fernando High Court. After an exchange between the attorneys and the magistrate, the case began with hearing of evidence from two witnesses.