Activist Mark Benschop has moved for the charge against the blind man accused of approaching him to hire hit-men to be dropped because of the man’s failing health.
Lochan (only name), 55, of 4 Greenwich Park, East Bank Essequibo, was yesterday told he will learn whether the charge against him will be dismissed next Monday, after Magistrate Fabayo Azore, who heard the case at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, decided to refer the case to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for advice.
Lochan, who had been remanded to prison after his initial arraignment last month, did get some immediate relief yesterday when he was granted bail in the sum of $150,000.
The prosecution’s case is that on May 10, Lochan went to the East Street office of Benschop and told the activist that he wanted him to hire two men to kill two persons, identified as Kumar and Dave, who had done him bodily harm some time last year.
It is alleged that he told Benschop that he was willing to pay the men $100,000 each to do the job. The matter was reported to the police and a sting operation was subsequently set up after which the defendant was arrested.
When the case was called yesterday, Benschop told Magistrate Azore that he no longer wished to proceed against Lochan.
“As a result of the sluggishness of the police, and taking into consideration the health of the accused, and his disability, I would like to forgive him and let him go home with his family,” he told the court.
When the matter was called, the prosecution was not in possession of a complete case file as investigations are still ongoing, the court heard.
Benschop was prompted to add that he understands the seriousness of the offence but under such circumstances he wanted to discontinue the matter.
A teary Lochan stood in the docks relieved, after hearing Benschop’s request.
Dexter Todd, counsel for Lochan, asked for reasonable bail, telling the court that his client’s condition was deteriorating in prison as there was no access to his necessary medication.
However, the magistrate said that such a request should be sent to the DPP for advice before being considered.
Prosecutor Renetta Bentham, in agreement, opted to await the advice of the DPP and also objected to bail, which was, however, granted. The case is due to be called again on Monday.
