Former minister’s attorney confident of his vindication…
Former P.U.P. Minister, Ralph Fonseca was back in court today for the preliminary inquiry in a charge of Theft placed against him on December fifth. Despite all the drama and publicity leading up to the arraignment, very little happened at the P.I. today in the Belmopan Magistrates’ Court. Outside the courtroom it was calm except for the police presence that numbered around ten. Inside, spectators waited longer for court to be called to order than it took for it to end. That’s because as soon as Magistrate Earl Jones took his seat he informed that both the Prosecutor, Cheryl-Lynn Branker-Taitt, and defense attorneys, Richard “Dickie” Bradley, Francis Fonseca and Michael Peyrefitte had agreed to an adjournment for February fifth. They had reached to that agreement during a meeting with Magistrate Jones in his chambers. When it was over, Peyrefitte was as confident as day one in court that his client will be vindicated.
Michael Peyrefitte, Defense Attorney for Ralph Fonseca
“Three statements have been given thus far, well two statements technically and one deposition; one statement from the current Prime Minister, one statement from the C.E.O. in the Office of the Prime Minister, and a deposition from Ms. Amalia Mai.”
Marion Ali
“The defense—I’m sure you can’t disclose your strategy—but will you moving to have those struck out, any one in particular, or all?”
Michael Peyrefitte
“Yes when we come back for the fifth of February it is our intention to make legal submissions that the evidence provided so far in this case is not sufficient to warrant a charge of theft. We went into chambers, we discussed it. Traditionally very rarely do preliminary inquiries occur so quickly after a person has been arraigned but we were ready and we agreed in chambers and it was decided that the matter be adjourned to February fifth.”
Marion Ali
“For what reason?”
Michael Peyrefitte
“Well it being in chambers, I don’t want to disclose the discussion in chambers. But you saw the Magistrate came out and declare that the matter be adjourned to February fifth.”
