Top Cop

POLICE COMMISSIONER Trevor Paul yesterday declared that in his 40 years as a police officer he had never known of any process that could halt or interfere with a police prosecution.

He said based on advice he was given, the court order in the matter of Chief Justice Sat Sharma did not block the police from taking action.

In a strongly worded statement yesterday, the Commissioner declared that the police will implement the law “without favour or affection” and will proceed with action against anyone once there is sufficient evidence for prosecution. “Anyone who breaks the law will be subject to the law, and the police will do its duty fearlessly but in a fair and respectful way to every citizen,” Paul said at a media briefing at the Police Administration building in Port-of-Spain yesterday morning. The briefing was called to explain what led to police action at the home of Chief Justice Sat Sharma on Friday evening.

Paul pointed out that the function of the Police Service is to “detect crime and other infractions of the law,” as well as to “bring before a court of competent jurisdiction any person found committing any offence.”

He said based on advice from an experienced criminal counsel, he gave the go ahead to obtain a warrant from a judicial officer to arrest the Chief Justice.

He revealed: “A warrant of arrest was obtained and it was in obedience to that command that my police officers went to the home of the Chief Justice to execute the warrant. On arrival at his residence the Chief Justice barricaded himself in a room. My officers did not break down the door as would normally occur.

“During that time Justice of Appeal (Stanley) John placed a call to a judge who ordered the police officers not to proceed. Mr Russell Martineau also intervened to prevent the arrest of the Chief Justice.

“Police officers, not wishing to allow a spectacle, and in the face of what appeared to be yet another court order, decided to leave the premises and to seek further advise and clarification.” Paul prior to giving the order for police action, studied the file of the completed investigation of the Chief Justice which contained more than 20 interviews “conducted meticulously” over seven weeks. He said he formed his independent judgment on the totality of the evidence gathered from several different sources.

“I formed the view that on the evidence, the matter required that a charge be laid against the Chief Justice in relation to perverting the course of justice,” said Paul.

“I came to this conclusion in my own deliberate judgment, conscious of the severe repercussions that the laying of such a charge might have for the reputation of the country and the judiciary.”

On Friday, in a late night sitting at the Hall of Justice, Madame Justice Judith Jones granted an injunction to Sharma restraining Paul, Assistant Commissioner Wellington Virgil and all police officers from initiating criminal proceedings against him. The application for the order was made after police officers went to Sharma’s home to execute a warrant for his arrest.

It was the third time for the week that the court had issued an order to block the arrest of the Chief Justice. Last Monday, Jones granted an order blocking Deputy DPP Carla Brown-Antoine from taking steps to arrest Sharma. Then on Thursday the judge added Virgil to the list. The order granted on Friday night prevents the entire Police Service from arresting the Chief Justice. There are reports that the State will appeal Jones’ decision.

Yesterday, the Chief Justice remained inside his home. He turned down a request from Sunday Newsday for an interview. He had several visitors throughout the day, including Senior Counsel Frank Solomon.

See Police Commissioner’s

full statement on Page 4