Relief for Bajan on the way

Two days after Newsday highlighted his plight, the notes of evidence needed for the start of his appeal hearing were sent to the court of appeal.

Responding to Newsday’s email queries into Worrell’s peculiar situation, the Judiciary’s communications department yesterday informed that the notes of evidence needed for the initiation of Worrell’s appeal hearing were sent to the court last Friday.

An explanation was not given as to why the notes were not sent over the last four years despite several requests from Worrell’s attorney Tempu Nefartari-Moheni and from the chief justice himself.

Worrell, however, was just happy to hear that hope was on the horizon. “I feel really good, really good, man,” said a jubilant Worrell to Newsday yesterday afternoon.

“To be stranded here year after year has been very hard. But give thanks for this and give thanks to you. I can finally give my family some good news. I miss them so much.” Worrell, 41, of Half- Moon Fort, Barbados, was arrested, charged and granted bail pending appeal for possession of ten grammes of marijuana in 2013.

But his appeal was not heard after four years of waiting because the notes of evidence needed for the appeal hearing were not sent from the Tunapuna Magistrates Court to the Court of Appeal.

Worrell said he could have used illegal means to return to his family, but chose to remain in Trinidad to have his day in court.