The presiding judge in the case involving former Superintendent of Police, Ray
John and a female accomplice, has denied a ‘no case submission’ made on behalf
of the defense.
Justice Tunde Bakre announced his ruling when the case resumed in the High
Court on Thursday. However, the matter is far from fully resolved as the defense
team has made another submission in its un-relenting bid to have the case
dismissed.
This time, the defense has raised questions about the authority of the judge to try
the case under the ‘judge-only’ format. That matter is set to be heard by March 8,
although sources close to the court have indicated that a ruling could come sooner
should the judge’s schedule over the next week presents an opening.
Attorneys Hugh Marshall for John and Michael Archibald for Charles had filed
legal briefs stating that their clients should not stand trial because there is
insufficient evidence tying them to the crimes.
John and Charles are on trial for allegedly conspiring with Vincentian resident
Lonzel Jones to forge passport bio pages using unauthorized Multi-Layered
Infilling Sheets. The crime is alleged to have happened between January 1 and
April 7, 2018.
According to media reports, Charles, who worked at the Antigua and Barbuda
Passport Office, is accused of conspiring with John, who allegedly received 16 of
the infilling sheets.
Evidence presented in court suggests that John and Charles provided infilling
sheets and other documents to Jones in St Vincent.
John had reportedly contacted Jones sometime prior and hired him to create fake
passport bio pages for persons wishing to purchase land, promising him substantial
compensation.
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