Lawyers claim JP blocking bail

AN ATTORNEY representing the two women charged with kidnapping Saada Singh yesterday accused a Justice of the Peace of  “using non-legal issues as a means of not approving bail for his clients.” Attorney Dexter Bailey made the accusation when his two clients, Kimberly Moonsammy, 22, a teacher, and Coleen Osbourne, 22, re-appeared before acting Deputy Chief Magistrate Mark Wellington in the San Fernando First Magistrates’ Court. The two accused are jointly charged with Keston Franklyn, 25, a welder, and the teacher’s cousin Jonathan Moonsammy, 21, for kidnapping Singh on June 3 at Archibald Street in Vistabella.

The foursome had been granted $250,000 bail each, but up to yesterday were still in custody. The prison van arrived late yesterday, causing the two male accused to appear late in court. Bailey told the court the Justice of the Peace downstairs of the court was not legally trained and was usurping the function of the court system. He added that even though bail was approved by the Magistrate, it seemed as though the JP was doing everything in his power to prevent his clients from being released.

Attorney Keith Beckles, representing Franklyn, shared his colleague’s concerns and asked the Magistrate to grant Franklyn his own bail. After this request was refused, the attorney asked that his client’s bail be reduced. This was also turned down. Bailey held for attorney Frank Rubert, who represented Jonathan Moonsammy. Assistant DPP Roger Gaspard appeared on behalf of the State. Magistrate Wellington adjourned the matter to June 29.