Judge extends order barring search of lawyers’ offices

Justice Amrika Tiwary-Reddy yesterday ordered the continuation of an injunction to stop the Anti-Corruption Squad from searching the office of Senior Counsel Dr Claude Denbow and his wife Donna, in connection with the squad’s investigation into one of the lawyers’ clients. During a midnight sitting last Wednesday, the judge issued an injunction stopping the police from searching the couple’s law offices situated at 13 St Vincent Street, Port-of-Spain. When the matter was called yesterday, Justice Tiwary-Reddy instructed the State to file its affidavits in response to the couple’s claim.

The couple filed legal proceedings against the Attorney General, Police Commissioner Trevor Paul, Sr Supt Maurice Piggot, head of the squad, Sgt John Telesford and retired FBI agent Paul Kelly, who is attached to the squad. The application to continue the injunction was made by Denbow’s lawyers — Dr Fenton Ramsahoye QC, Desmond Allum SC, Seenath Jairam SC and Om Lalla instructed by Darrel Allahar. Representing the AG and the agents of the State were Douglas Mendes SC, Michael Quamina and S Bridgeman, instructed by the Chief State Solicitor. The matter was adjourned to next Tuesday.