Chief Magistrate Ian Weekes has made it clear there will be no preferential treatment for members of the legal fraternity either facing charges before the court or acting as sureties.
He stated the position on Wednesday as he dealt with the case of attorney-at-law Philip Vernon Nicholls who has been charged with stealing thousands of dollars.
Nicholls, a 61-year-old resident of Pine Gardens, St Michael, is alleged to have stolen $102 143.75 belonging to Sandra O’Garro between February 7, 2017 and October 22, 2020. He was not allowed to plead to the indictable charge when he appeared in the No. 1 District ‘A’ Magistrates’ Court.
With no objection from prosecutor Sergeant Victoria Taitt, Nicholls, who is represented by defence counsel Kashka Mottley, posted bail in the sum of $40 000 with one surety.
Weekes told the surety, who is also in the legal profession, that all documents to support and “satisfy” the bail amount must be presented to the court.
“There can’t be a preference that is being shown because you all are lawyers. So you have to justify the $40 000 and what you are putting down in relation to that . . . . How is this $40 000 being covered? I cannot be partial. I have to do it regardless of the person. I will be doing the case like any other case,” the Chief Magistrate made clear before the bail sum was secured.
fernellawedderburn@barbadostoday.bb
