AG complains about Justice John

In his three-page complaint, Jeremie also stated: “it was with deep regret” that he was in a position to reveal that there was “irrefutable and independent evidence” which contradicted statements in the Chief Justice’s release on Sunday - that attorney Russell Martineau and Registrar of the Court Evelyn Ann Peterson made all the calls from Sharma’s residence to the office and cell phone of Judge Judith Jones and that neither the Chief Justice nor Justice Stanley John spoke to Jones.

The AG’s complaint was sent to the Secretary of the Judicial and Legal Service Commission (JLSC), Cheryll Hay.

According to Jeremie the warrant which was duly issued by a judicial officer, made provision for bail for the Chief Justice in the amount of $250,000.

Jeremie said he was advised by Commissioner of Police (CoP) Trevor Paul that the arrest of the CJ was impeded by certain persons, including John. “Justice of Appeal John’s conduct in my view has served to undermine the integrity of and public confidence in the judicial system and as a consequence renders him unfit to perform the duties of his office,” Jeremie stated. He added that in the circumstances, he was lodging a formal complaint of misbehaviour against Justice John arising out of his involvement in the events which ultimately frustrated the execution of the warrant.

Jeremie said John, upon learning that the officers were attempting to execute a warrant for the arrest of the Chief Justice, presented himself at the residence of the Chief Justice on the evening of Friday July 14, four minutes after officers arrived at the residence. He said John intervened, “so as to prevent or impede the execution of the warrant” by enquiring of the officers whether there was a problem and informing them that there was a High Court Order preventing the CJ’s arrest. He (John) also personally undertook to inform the Chief Justice of the situation.

Jeremie said John again informed the Chief Justice of the events after the officers indicated to the Registrar of the High Court and John that despite the handwritten order of Judge Jones, served by the Registrar upon the officers, the CJ would be taken in custody.

Jeremie said John “at or around 6.52 pm, directly intervened so as to obstruct the officers in the execution of the warrant by placing a call to Judge Jones.” He said John asked Assistant CoP Clive Reyes to enter the residence of the CJ to speak with Jones over the telephone. He added that John, obstructed the officers by asking Jones, who was already on the line, if she would speak to ACP Reyes, handing over the telephone to Reyes to speak to Judge Jones.

Jeremie stated that John by his actions, among other things: a) exhibited conduct that was morally wrong and improper and which demonstrated a lack of integrity on his part; 2) used his judicial status to advance the interest of the Chief Justice and/or influence the course of litigation; 3) undermined public respect and confidence in the system of justice; 4) exhibited conduct manifestly and absolutely contrary to the integrity, impartiality and independence of the Judiciary, such that the confidence of individuals appearing before him would be undermined.

Jeremie concluded that he was willing “to furnish whatever assistance the Commission may require” in its investigation. He added that he trusted that the Chief Justice would be disqualified from all and any participation in this matter. The JLSC is chaired by CJ Sharma.