Bailor to pay $250,000

Chief Magistrate Sherman Mc Nicolls ruled out submissions by attorney Ravi Rajcoomar, that his client’s bail should not be forfeited on the grounds that he had no knowledge that his son-in-law would disappear.

Rajcoomar told Mc Nicolls up to the day that Sookdeo disappeared (April 26), Sookdeo visited the Freeport Police Station to sign a station book. Rajcoomar said it was obvious that Sookdeo was planning to disappear on the day he left to go to the Freeport Police Station, as Mohammed did not accompany him on that occasion. Rajcoomar added that Mohammed would sometimes visit the police station with Sookdeo.

"The defendant did not know this man would disappear. It would seem he (Sookdeo) has no concerns for his child or wife. He has abandoned his family and this tells you the quality of the man we are dealing with," said Rajcoomar.

However, Mc Nicolls told the court that it was a very serious matter when someone takes bail to ensure an accused attends court. "It cannot be trifled with. The onus is written on the surety that the person is brought to court.

"In my respectful view the defendant (Mohammed) has come up short. The defendant clearly should have accompanied the fugitive to the police station. Although he said he went sometimes, he should have gone one step further, as he has not done all within his power," said Mc Nicolls.

Sookdeo was one of five persons wanted by the United States for conspiracy to import cocaine into that country.

Three of the accused —Ronald Rackal, Hafeez Mohammed, and Indaryartee Dwarika — have already been extradited to Fort Lauderdale to face their charges before a jury.

A fifth person, Ramesh Doon, had his extradition warrant withdrawn. However, Doon and Andre Ravi Persad are still before the Port-of-Spain High Court charged with possession of more than 542 kilos of cocaine at a warehouse at Orange Field, Carapichaima, in January 2001.