THE JUDICIARY CAME to a standstill briefly yesterday to pay tribute to a “stalwart” in the legal fraternity.
The No.5 Supreme Court and the Bridgetown Magistrates’ Court held a minute of silence in memory of Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Charles Leacock, before regular proceedings began.
Many were left shocked at the passing of Leacock who died over the weekend after undergoing prostate surgery in Orlando, Florida.
Court staff, police officers and lawyers alike could be heard engaging in various conversations as they recalled their encounters with Leacock in court and otherwise.
Registrar of the Supreme Court, Barbara Cooke-Alleyne, told the DAILY NATION: “He has been a stalwart of the Government legal services and carried out his duties with certain fervour and dedication. He has greatly contributed to the development of our jurisprudence and he will be missed.”
During yesterday’s prayer session in the District “A” Magistrates’ Court No.1, Magistrate Douglas Frederick recalled working with his “mentor for ten years” in the DPP’s office.
“He was very knowledgeable about the law. Apart from that,he was a very deep, knowledgeable, friendly person, one who would never hide anything from you in terms of his knowledge,” he said.
The magistrate added he would always be willing to share and contributed greatly to the society.
He expressed condolences to his widow and two sons.
Magistrate Graveney Bannister, who shared a spiritual reading at the prayer session, told the DAILY NATION that Leacock was “very professional” and “always willing to give advice”.(TKS)