Following a 45-minute trial, a case involving an alleged breach of COVID-19 protocols was thrown out on Wednesday for want of prosecution, after the lead investigator failed to appear in court.
Yohance Kayode Young, 42, of No. 5 Yorkshire, Christ Church, was accused of contravening the Emergency Management (COVID-19) (Curfew) No. 6 Directive, in that he failed to wear a mask in a public place, to wit: Yorkshire Road; did use insulting language, to wit: “I am not in the road. You are a **** idiot” to Constable Reco Johnson, and that he assaulted and resisted Johnson in the execution of his duties, all on March 17.
Johnson gave his evidence- in-chief and was cross-examined by attorney Ryan Moseley in the District “C” Magistrates’ Court, sitting in the District “B” Oistins Magistrates’ Court.
Then prosecutor Sergeant St Clair Phillips requested an adjournment as the lead investigator, Sergeant Solomon Hunte, was not present. He said he had spoken to Hunte directly about the trial, but received a message in the morning that he had worked the previous night.
However, Magistrate Elwood Watts recalled Johnson to the stand and asked how long he had been on duty. The constable responded since 3 p.m. on Tuesday.
The magistrate thanked Johnson for his commitment to his duty and informed Phillips the matter had been dismissed for want of prosecution.
“If his [Johnson’s] sergeant cannot give a reason for not coming to court, then I will not tolerate that,” Magistrate Watts said before telling Young he was free to go. (RA)
