–granted self bail
Archie Poole, who was initially held by police for questioning in relation to the Ministry of Health fire, yesterday appeared before the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court accused of having a cell phone in the lock-ups.
Poole, 56, a businessman of the Linden-Soesdyke Highway pleaded not guilty to the charge of having a prohibited article in the lock-ups when it was read to him by Acting Chief Magistrate Melissa Robertson.
It is alleged that on July 29 at the Brickdam Police Station lock-ups, Poole had a cell phone in his possession.
Attorney-at-law Mortimer Coddett who represented the accused told the court that there are no written signs in the police station telling prisoners what is prohibited in the lock-ups. He said also that no search was ever carried out on his client to determine what he had in his possession while in custody of the police. The attorney argued that the police who have a responsibility to ensure that detainees are given the opportunity to make a phone call to relatives, denied this to his client telling him that the station’s phone was in a position only to receive calls.
According to Coddett, the prosecution would have to prove that his client had knowledge of the fact that carrying a cell phone into the lock-ups was forbidden. Coddett then made an application that his client be admitted to his own recognisance.
Police Prosecutor Denise Griffith had no objection to the bail application. She said that she preferred to withhold information relating to the case until the time of the trial. Griffith told the court that the cell phone was found in the defendant’s pocket.
Poole was subsequently placed on self bail and ordered to return to Court Three on September 17.
Poole was arrested on Monday, several days after police announced he was wanted for questioning in relation to the Ministry of Health fire which occurred early on the morning of July 17.
According to initial reports reaching Stabroek News, Poole was arrested by law enforcement officials at his business place on the Linden/Soesdyke Highway.
