Magistrate slams police for taking glasses

When Andrew John, 45, of Deigo Martin, appeared in the San Fernando Magistrates’ court yesterday, it was evident to Magistrate Natalie Diop that the defendant was slightly visually impaired. The defendant needed to see his way around and the magistrate, by law, wanted to ensure that the defendant before the court could read documentation relating to the charges because he had opted to represent himself since he could not afford an attorney.

The charges read to John, are that: on Tuesday, at Navet Road, San Fernando, he drove a vehicle without insurance; a second charge alleged he did not have a driver’s permit in his possession and the third was that he is not a holder of such a permit. After reading the charges, Diop made the observation that John seemed to have eye problems.

“You are looking all over the room. Do you have an eye problem?,” Diop asked. John replied, “I am minus 12 in one eye and minus 13 in the other.” When Diop asked John if he wore glasses, the defendant said he did. However, he complained to the magistrate that upon his arrest and being taken to the San Fernando Police Station, police took away his personal belongings, including his glasses. The prosecutor, Sgt Chanardath Jhilmit, told the magistrate the glasses, including John’s wallet, were handed over to his wife. Diop however, said she could not fathom the thought that glasses which are required to enhance one’s vision, would be of interest to the police in such a matter as a traffic offence.

Diop said, “I have been in the presence of this man for less than a minute and I can already see he has vision issues.

I’m wondering why the police would see it necessary to take his glasses.

How it is they didn’t see he has eye problems.

This is something that needs to be addressed.

I cannot read the charge if the defendant is not properly before me. He must be able to read whatever document is to be handed to him.” However, John attempted to read the document of previous traffic charges that were handed to him, in order for the magistrate to determine the bail she posted. He placed the document inches away from his eyes and tried to read. “Yes, this is me Your Honour.” Diop granted him own bail in the sum of $10,000. He is to return to court on September 13.