Cops testify against cop

Constable Sherwin Legere of Bagna Trace, Chase Village, Chaguanas, reappeared before Chief Magistrate Marcia Ayers-Caesar at the Port-of-Spain Eighth Magistrates’ Court.

Police constables Marvin Bengochea and Mitchell Frasier both appeared on the witness stand. After prosecuting attorney Shelly-Ann Gajadhar had both men confirm their written statements the defence attorney Joseph Honore, cross examined both witnesses.

Witness statements were submitted by the prosecution for Bengochea and Frasier as well as: Patricia Edwards, Glenn Andres Garner, Gregory Hood, Kurt Toussaint, Amos Sylvester, Marcia Lopez, David Davis, Majid Khan, Kirby Paul, Anthony St Louis and Moses Charles, the complainant.

Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Kathy Ann Waterman-Latchoo is also representing the prosecution.

Legere, who is out on $250,000 bail, has been charged with three offences of causing death by dangerous driving to Haydee Paul, and her daughters, Akasha, eight, and Shakira, seven. Relatives of the deceased, including Paul’s mother, Carol Gonzales, were among those in the courtroom yesterday.

Three other people — Ryan Rampersad, Amanda Lalla and Abigail Assing — also suffered injuries in the incident, and were taken to hospital. Rampersad was released from hospital and returned home last December.

The six were struck and killed while walking along a pavement at the Beetham Highway, Port-of-Spain, on the morning of February 24, 2013.

Legere also faces a fourth charge that he “drove motor vehicle PCT 3096, in a manner which was dangerous to the public, having regard to all the circumstances of the case”. The case was adjourned to April 30 at 1 pm.