I can’t get justice!

Convicted murderer Lester Pitman complained to the Appeal Court yesterday that he was kicked in the chest while being taken out of his cell to be brought to court. He also complained that he was brought to court without his shoes. Daniel Agard, who was convicted with Pitman, made an application to the court to change his lawyers, but the court refused. An apparently displeased Agard said he could not get justice in the court because of the people seated in the back. Seated in court were relatives of the deceased.

Pitman and Agard were convicted and sentenced to death for the murders of Maggie Lee, Lynette Pearson and John Cropper. When the appeal was called yesterday before Justices Stanley John, Ivor Archie and Paula Mae Weekes, Agard’s attorney Bindra Dolsingh indicated to the court he had written instructions from Agard that he did not want him or instructing attorney Dawn Mohan to represent him. As a result, the two appellants were sent for. Agard’s attorneys were appointed by Legal Aid. On their arrival, Agard explained he had written to attorney Margaret Rose and that she had consented to do his case. However, he did not write to Legal Aid indicating that he wanted Rose.

Justice John turned down Agard’s request after it was pointed out that Legal Aid attorneys are  chosen by the clients. Dolsingh had also made an application to withdraw, but his request was also denied. Agard then announced he was not participating in the appeal and made his outburst about justice. Attorney Leon Gokool, representing Pitman, drew the court’s attention to his client’s complaints. Gokool said  his client was feeling sick and could not take part in the appeal because of the kick. He needed medical attention. A prisons officer told Justice John that Pitman’s shoes could not be found when he was being brought to court and when another pair was offered to him, he refused it. Justice John ordered that Pitman receive medical attention. He also explained that appellants were not usually present for appeals but because of the circumstance in this matter, they were brought to court. Both appellants were then taken out of court and the appeal continued.