Magistrate’s note taker charged

Her arrest arose from investigations which led to a warrant being issued to conduct a search of her home last Thursday. Smith was arrested and taken to the San Fernando Police Station. Late Friday evening, she was granted own bail in the sum of $20,000. Yesterday, her attorney Shawn Teekasingh asked Magistrate Forde-John to enquire from the police if there was any material evidence to disclose and court prosecutor PC Cleyon Seedan, said that the marijuana was dried plant material wrapped in a clear plastic bag.

Police Constable Khalil Hosein of the San Fernando CID laid the charge. The marijuana is to be sent to the Forensic Sciences Centre for analysis. The case was adjourned to February 13, 2017.

Smith on leaving the courtroom passed through the internal staircase reserved for magistrates and court employees instead of walking through the public corridor and down the steps towards the front entrance. A National Maintenance Training Security Limited (MTS) guard opened a gate at the side of the building, which is also reserved for magistrates and court employees in the event there is need to exit the building in an emergency, to allow the accused to leave.

Another gate at the top of Court Street, which secures the garage for magistrates’ vehicles, was also opened for her and she ran out that entrance onto the road. Media photographers in front the court witnessed her exodus and ran towards the garage entrance to photograph her.