Lawyer accuses cops of oppression

Former Magistrate Sylvester Raymond-Cadette has accused some Police Officers of being oppressors.{{more}}

“This is the height of oppression going on here, and I am going to take it up with the Commissioner of Police very soon,” Raymond-Cadette stated on Friday, March 25, at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court.

The Lawyer was at the time expressing his strong disapproval about his client being brought all the way from Union Island to answer criminal charges. “He could have been granted bail in Union Island for this offence. I don’t see why he had to be brought up here for this,” the Lawyer sternly stated.

Bradley Aqua, 18, of Union Island, was hauled before Senior Magistrate Donald Browne on charges of obstruction of justice, criminal assault and resisting arrest. He pleaded not guilty to all three charges.

Slamming his Law book on the table in front of him and pacing about the courtroom, Raymond-Cadette noted that something like this would soon cause an uprising in Union Island. Trying to calm down the Lawyer, Magistrate Browne said that the court was not aware of any such thing, and added that there was no proof of oppression and said that he did not have any jurisdiction over the police.

“I am highly annoyed. I will bail him myself. I don’t care if I have to put up my house and land to bail him. There’s no Law to stop me!” Raymond-Cadette stated.

With a slight chuckle, Magistrate Browne told the attorney that he could not serve as counsel and surety to the defendant at the same time.

Aqua was granted bail in the sum of $1,500 with one surety and the matter was transferred to the Union Island court. (KW)