![\"Hall](\"http:\/\/www.trinidadandtobagonews.com\/blogimg\/hallofjustice.jpg\")
In a stunning development just after 1pm, the prosecution has dropped charges against Chief Justice Satnarine Sharma, who was charged with attempting to pervert the course of public justice. <\/p>\nIn a stunning development just after 1pm, the prosecution has dropped charges against Chief Justice Satnarine Sharma, who was charged with attempting to pervert the course of public justice. <\/p>\n
As Chief Magistrate Sherman McNicolls entered the witness box, the lead prosecutor Gilbert Peterson, SC told the court that Sherman McNicolls, the chief witness against Chief Justice Satnarine Sharma, was no longer willing to give evidence in the criminal proceedings against Chief Justice Sharma. The prosecution subsequently discontinued proceedings against the Chief Justice. <\/p>\n
Senior Magistrate Lianne Lee Kim then told the Chief Justice that the prosecution was not offering any evidence in this matter and that he is discharged.
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\nLead defense attorney, Pamela Elder described the situation as outrageous and a mockery of the justice system – that one can make an accusation against another and refuse to testify when the time comes for the accuser to face cross-examination.<\/p>\n
It is alleged that the CJ attempted to sway the Chief Magistrate Sherman McNichols’ decision in the trial of former Prime Minister Basdeo Panday. Basdeo Panday was subsequently convicted for failing to disclose a London bank account under the rules of the Integrity Act. He has since appealed the conviction and is out on bail. <\/p>\n
No reason was given for the decision to terminate the proceedings against Chief Justice Sharma except that it was made after discussions were held with the witness — Chief Magistrate Sherman McNicolls. State prosecutor Gilbert Patterson indicated that reasons would be given in writing at a later date.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
In a stunning development just after 1pm, the prosecution has dropped charges against Chief Justice Satnarine Sharma, who was charged with attempting to pervert the course of public justice. As Chief Magistrate Sherman McNicolls entered the witness box, the lead prosecutor Gilbert Peterson, SC told the court that Sherman McNicolls, the chief witness against Chief … Continue reading State drops charges against CJ Sharma<\/span>