Panton says ACP Williams, police did the right thing

While Assistant Commissioner of Police Chester Williams is facing strong adverse criticism by the media and the public, Panton maintains that A.C.P. Williams had indicated from the beginning that a decision on whether or not to charge the siblings was the judgment of the arresting officer.

Isani Cayetano

“Your position seems to support and bolster that of ACP Williams in a sense.  From your legal perspective, can you share with us a comment on the backlash that has seemingly caught up with Chester Williams insofar as his position not to proceed with charging these individuals?”

Herbert Panton

Herbert Panton

“If you recall what I said, it was not the decision of Chester Williams.  The officer who was concerned was the person who made that decision.  The initial decision, Chester Williams said to us plainly, “I am not the arresting officer and I can’t do anything.”  The officer, this is only my surmising, when he heard that there would be medico-legal forms issued, he realized that this is a ticklish situation and so he had a change of heart and he made the decision, nobody else, he made the decision.”

Isani Cayetano

“You mentioned that you’re representing the brothers specifically from the police end.  Can you speak to us where we stand from the customs en, are you aware of what’s taking place and…”

Herbert Panton

“I have gotten no instructions in regards to that.  The little I’ve seen in the media, it’s a concluded matter, but I have no instructions with regards to the customs matter.”