10 years for attacking cop

The judge told the accused men that even in the “face of conviction”, they refused to express any feeling of remorse for the crime.

Pallackdarry, aka “Pallack,” and Sewsahai, known as Marf, were found guilty by a jury in the San Fernando High Court on October 5, for chopping PC Larry Legendre with a cocoa knife on the neck and arm outside Puntai’s bar, Tableland. The incident occurred on May 29, 2003. State Prosecutor, Kathyann Waterman-Latchoo, had led evidence that Legendre was in a bar with a friend when they were approached by both prisoners who began threatening and harassing them. Legendre and his friend left the bar and went to another bar. But according to witnesses who testified, Pallackdarry and Sewsahai followed them and waited outside of the bar. The State case alleged that when Legendre emerged, Sewsahai gave a knife to Pallackdarry who in turn inflicted the wounds on Legendre.

In reviewing the evidence yesterday, Justice Soo-Hon said that the policeman did nothing to warrant such an attack. “The virtual complainant did nothing to incite this attack. He offered to buy drinks for them (prisoners) to appease the situation but they refused.”

The judge said the prisoners’ “drinking” may have led to the attack. In determining Pallackdarry’s sentence, the judge said that she considered several testimonials and a petition of 957 signatures. Justice Soo Hon told Pallackdarry that he served his country well for the 22 years he was in the military but that did not absolve him his actions. “Your conduct was disappointing. As far as being a corporal, such action is inconceivable,” Justice Soo Hon said.