Judge to rule in ‘Boombay’ case next week

Kokaram, at the close of submissions yesterday in Boney’s false imprisonment claim, said he will give his decision on Thursday of next week.

At yesterday’s hearing, Boney’s lawyers contended that the police damaged his reputation by the allegations made against him.

Attorney Lee Merry, who with Kelston Pope is representing Boney, argued that the police never justified their arrest and detention of his client despite advancing a defence that it was legally done under the Emergency Powers Regulations.

Boney in his lawsuit is claiming between $400,000 and $500,000 in compensation.

Merry also said the State failed to provide the reports and police files which detailed the alleged plot and Boney’s alleged involvement.

In defence of the police’s actions, lead counsel for the Attorney General Coreen Findley said the report was confidential and could not be disclosed as it dealt with matters of national security.

On Tuesday, retired deputy commissioner of police (DCP) Mervyn Richardson defended Boney’s arrest and detention, saying the police had cogent, compelling intelligence that something bad was to happen.

“We had to act,” Richardson said.

Boney was one of some 17 people, including a police sergeant, who were arrested in connection with an alleged threat to assassinate Persad-Bissessar and three members of Cabinet as well as create public disorder and panic.

He was released on December 5, 2011, when the SOE ended, without being charged after being in custody for some five days.

Richardson said Boney’s name was on the list of suspects and surveillance and discreet inquiries were conducted by police.

Attorney Rachael Thurab also appears for the Attorney General.