Colombian national in court

Juan Sebastian Rubiano Pena, 21, appeared before Magistrate Lisa Singh-Phillip charged with the offences. He was arrested at Lady Hailes Avenue, San Fernando, at about 4 am on Sunday by PC Sujeet Ramcharan.

The magistrate read the three charges to Pena, the first of which alleged that the alcohol level in his breath exceeded the prescribed legal limit by seven mirograms per 100 milliliters of breath. He pleaded not guilty.

The second charge was that he obstructed PC Ramcharan in the lawful execution of his duties. Pena pleaded not guilty. The final charge alleged that he used obscene language to the annoyance of the police officer, an offence for which Pena again pleaded not guilty.

Court prosecutor Sgt Kasieram Lutchman, told the magistrate that he did not have the Passport of the Colombian, in order for the court to determine the issue of bail. Attorney Ravi Diptee pleaded for bail to be granted, saying that Pena had completed studies at an institution and had applied to the University of the West Indies to pursue a degree. Pena speaks English fluently, the attorney said.

But Magistrate Singh-Phillip expressed concerns with the court only having a photocopy of the data-information of the accused man’s Passport which Dipteee submitted for consideration. She said that Ramcharan as the complainant, should have been present to update her on the Colombian’s legal status in the country. Pena was remanded into custody and told to return to court today.