DPP at Panday’s bail hearing

The bail hearing was called before Justice Anthony Carmona in the Port-of-Spain Sixth Criminal Court and heard “in camera”. The media was not allowed in court, but it was very significant that Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Geoffrey Henderson and Douglas Mendes SC accompanied Senior State attorney Wayne Rajbansie to the court.

On Monday when Panday was found guilty and sentenced, lead prosecutor Sir Timothy Cassel QC informed Chief Magistrate Sherman Mc Nicolls that he had no objections to Panday getting bail pending the hearing and determination of his appeal. But Mc Nicolls overruled Cassel and denied Panday bail.

Cassel returned to England on Tuesday night, leaving Rajbansie to represent the State at the bail hearing. But when the matter was called yesterday, Henderson, Mendes and Rajbansie were present in court.

Desmond Allum SC, Fyard Hosein SC and Rajiv Persad appeared on behalf of the jailed UNC chairman. The hearing started at 11.40 am and ended an hour later.

Panday’s lawyers were ready, but the State was given until 8 am to file their submissions. Carmona then adjourned hearing to 11.30 am today where submissions will be presented to the court on both sides.