Former CMU President Professor Fritz Pinnock
.png)
By Racquel Porter
The presiding judge in the trial of former Education Minister Ruel Reid and his co-accused has warned former Caribbean Maritime University President Professor Fritz Pinnock that he may have to cross-examine witnesses himself when the trial resumes on Monday.
That's because Professor Pinnock's attorney, Hugh Wildman, has been absent from the proceedings.
On Wednesday, Parish Court Judge Sanchia Burrell rejected a suggestion from Mr. Wildman that witnesses who have already testified be recalled so he could cross-examine them.
Before adjourning the matter on Wednesday, Judge Burrell told Professor Pinnock he may have to "apply his doctoral muscles" and ask questions in cross-examination, while assuring him that the court is there to assist him.
She stressed that she is neither for Professor Pinnock nor the Crown, but is an independent arbiter with no interest in the outcome of the case.
The judge said, however, that she expects someone will be in court on Monday to give Professor Pinnock the assistance he is entitled to.
Earlier, a prosecution witness gave evidence and was cross-examined by attorney Oswald Senior-Smith, who represents Jamaica Labour Party councillor Kim Brown Lawrence.
Attorney Carolyn Chuck, appearing remotely, held for attorneys Shannon Clarke and Linda Wright, indicated that they had no questions for the witness.
Earlier in the proceedings, Ms. Chuck informed Judge Burrell that Mr. Wildman would not be attending.
She also said Mr. Wildman had suggested that witnesses be recalled for cross-examination and had indicated that another attorney would be present.
But when the judge asked who that attorney would be, Ms. Chuck said Mr. Wildman had not identified anyone, adding that she believed he was making arrangements.
No other attorney appeared before the matter was adjourned.
Judge Burrell told the witness that she may have to return to court on another date to be cross-examined on Professor Pinnock's behalf.
Lead prosecutor Ashtelle Steel said the Crown is already dealing with two witnesses whose cross-examination has been deferred because of Mr. Wildman's absence.
She described the situation as "very untidy".
Judge Burrell said that could mean Professor Pinnock may have to cross-examine the witnesses himself.
She noted that Professor Pinnock is entitled to cross-examine, just as all parties and their lawyers are entitled to ask questions.
The judge said these are the rules she inherited and that, as far as she understands, counsel is required to act in the best interest of their clients.
She also criticised the communication from Mr Wildman as "sparse and unhelpful at best."
Judge Burrell said the court has not been given enough advance notice to make proper arrangements.
She reminded Professor Pinnock of her July 1 case-management pronouncement, which she said was intended to remind counsel of what is expected of them.
The judge said if counsel prioritises other matters over being present at this trial, which began last October, the court must still continue.
She told Professor Pinnock that the matter is not only about him, noting that his co-accused also have obligations and expenses associated with attending court.
The judge said she had taken the Crown's concerns into consideration, as the situation affects the flow and organisation of the evidence.
comments powered by Disqus
All feeds
