Cop on trial for soliciting $200

Another charge alleged that he received the money from the motorist on November, 7, 2005. The two charges stemmed from an allegation that Siew had attempted to overtake a line of traffic along the Southern Main Road, Caroni, when he was allegedly stopped by Maharaj.

Siew testified that he was warned of intended prosecution and that when he had driven off, he received a telephone call from Maharaj, requesting $500. Siew told the judge and jury about a sting operation that was set-up by members of the Anti-Corruption Bureau and a meeting point that was pre-arranged for him to hand over the money. He said he handed over the $200 to Maharaj in front of a store in Couva and when he had done so, two police officers approached Maharaj and placed him in a vehicle. The trial continued yesterday.

State Attorneys Sabrina Dougdeen-Jaglal and Sarah De Silva are prosecuting while attorney Shaun Teekasingh is defending Maharaj.