Magistrate in Dana PI reads riot act

Cedeno, who is presiding over the Dana Seetahal murder inquiry, said she was instrumental in having the Criminal Proceedings Rules (CPR), which govern the conduct of criminal cases in the High Court, instituted in the magistrates courts.

“Attorneys should familiarise themselves with the CPR because there would be sanctions,” Cedeno told defence attorney Criston J Williams who, although having finally completed his written submissions on his bad character objection, did not file and serve it on the Prosecution before yesterday’s court date. He was to have done so by November 17 so that the Prosecution could have responded in time for yesterday’s hearing.

Cedeno was stern when she told Williams she will not adjourn the matter again, although she did accede to his request as he had a personal issue to deal with.

The prosecution has been given until December 13 to respond to the submissions while the matter will again come up for hearing on December 22, when the senior magistrate is expected to give her ruling.

Accused of the murder are former LifeSport co-ordinator Rajaee Ali, two of his brothers and eight other men. They are accused of murdering the senior counsel on May 4, 2014, along Hamilton Holder Street, Woodbrook, as she made her way to her One Woodbrook Place home shortly after leaving Ma Pau Casino on Ariapita Avenue, Port of Spain.