Murder appeal for six men adjourned

The six — brothers Shiva, Ryan and Vishan Bajnauth and their half-brother Soman Rampersad and friends, Junior John and Kenny Mohammed — were convicted in June of last year of setting fire to a home in Freeport in 2009, killing sisters Sangeeta, six and Sarah, three.

When the matter came up for hearing before Justices of Appeal Alice Yorke-Soo Hon, Rajendra Narine and Mark Mohammed, attorneys for three of the men indicated they were not ready to proceed with the appeal and asked for an extension of time to file skeletal submissions, grounds of appeal and their authorities.

As a result of this, Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions George Busby said the prosecution could also not proceed as it was still awaiting the documents in an effort to reply to the grounds of appeal.

Only attorney Ravi Rajcoomar who appears for one of the brothers said he was ready, having filed all his necessary paperwork.

The extension was granted but Justice Yorke-Soo Hon urged attorneys to keep to the December 6 and 8 time-line as the court will not be generous again if they fail to do so.