Ruel Reid, Fritz Pinnock attorney applies for court to dismiss their charges
Attorney-at-law Hugh Wildman on Thursday morning applied to the St. Andrew Parish Court to immediately dismiss the charges against former Education Minister Ruel Reid and President of the Caribbean Maritime University, Professor Fritz Pinnock.
Mr. Wildman made the application when the men and the three other accused appeared in court.
Mr. Wildman told Senior Parish Judge Chester Crooks that his application is based on last month’s ruling by Chief Justice Bryan Sykes.
Chief Justice Sykes dismissed Mr. Wildman’s application to quash the charges.
The Chief Justice argued that the attorney failed to convince on what basis the charges should be dismissed against Mr. Reid and Professor Pinnock.
However, Mr. Wildman said the Chief Justice agreed with his claim that the Financial Investigation Division (FID) is not empowered to bring charges against anyone in Jamaica.
According to Mr. Wildman, the 28 counts of fraud laid against Mr. Reid and Mr. Pinnock are improper.
He insisted that all the accused are not properly before the court and urged Judge Crooks to dismiss the case.
Mr. Wildman added that the action brought against Professor Pinnock, Mr. Reid and members of his family is illegal.
He warned that the State is facing a major lawsuit.
The Judge told him that he should allow the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to make a determination on that matter.
The DPP’s office on Thursday disclosed that attorney Richard Small, who represents the FID, has been given a fiat to join in the prosecution of the case.
The accused are to return to court on April 8.
Bail condition varied
In the meantime, the bail condition of Mr. Reid, Mr. Pinnock and their three co-accused was varied Thursday morning.
They are now required to report to the police once per week instead of the previous order of twice per week.
Mr. Reid’s wife Sharen, their daughter Sharelle, and Councillor for the Brown’s Town Division Kim Brown Lawrence are also charged in the case.
Same ole same ole, they have their credentials thus high chance of not going to jail or prison, i wont be surprised of the outcome. Immunity buck ina jamaica for the privileged..
Whatever it takes to prosecute them properly. Bottom line, its Law Enforcement Officers (Police) who arrested them in whatever capacity, dem a act like is private citizens arrest dem. Gwey, mek di law tek its course
These fucktards betrayed the youth of the Nation,they should hang at high noon from the Gallows cuz this is not ur typical teefing Corruption!Matters not if you’re a teefing Pnp ,Jlp or No p,Once you’re robbing from the most vulnerable then you’re a traitor and deserve 21 gun salutes between ur eyes!!!!