A no-case submission was thrown out when a Barbados Defence Force (BDF) ordinary court martial against Private Raheem Reeves continued yesterday.
It had been brought by lead defence attorney Michael Lashley QC but was struck down by president of the panel, Lieutenant Commander John Mapp.
“Having taken the advice of the Judge Advocate, the panel considered presentations made by the prosecution, as well as defence counsel, and the evidence that was provided to the panel was noted. Notwithstanding the mitigating factors as explained by defence counsel as to the accused’s motivation for leaving his duty, it is considered that they are not sufficient to overshadow his overarching obligation to military duty and discipline. Therefore, the no-case submission is rejected,” Mapp said.
Reeves has pleaded not guilty to leaving his duty station without reasonable excuse on March 14, while a member of a sanitisation team attached to the Florence Gittens Medical Facility. He is being represented by Lashley, and attorneys Dr Lenda Blackman, Simon Clarke and Sade Harris. The hearing is taking place in the BDF’s Hodgson Hall, St Ann’s Fort headquarters. (RA)
Subscribe now to our eNATION edition for the full story.
For the latest stories and breaking news updates download the Nationnews apps for iOS and Android.
