The trial of the Crabwood Creek couple charged with possession of forged United States currency has been reassigned following Magistrate Alex Moore’s recent decision to recuse himself from hearing the case.
The charge against Mool and Reshma Maniram states that on January 29th, 2018, at Grant 1805 Waterside Crabwood Creek, Corentyne, Berbice, without lawful authority or excuse, they had in their possession 218 forged currency notes, purporting to be 218 US$100 notes, and 11 forged currency notes, purporting to be 11 US$50 notes, knowing same to be forged.
During a hearing at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Monday, the matter was reassigned by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan to Magistrate Renita Singh at the Whim Magistrate’s Court.
The court was told that Magistrate Moore recused himself following a phone call he had received from a Guyana Forensic Science Laboratory official who had managed to obtain his personal cell number and contact him in an attempt to influence him with regards to his ruling on the issue of her subordinate officer’s expertise.
At the next date fixed for trial, Magistrate Moore told the court that the official had managed to obtain his personal cell number and made contact with him. The prosecutor had also told the court that the official had tried to get the Magistrate’s number from him, and that he eventually stopped taking her calls.
Glenn Hanoman, the couple’s attorney, however, told the court that his clients have suffered considerable loss and damage and incurred substantial legal expenses all because of the criminality of various sections of an overpowering state apparatus. He then told the court that the official should be charged for contacting the magistrate and trying to influence his decisions.
The Chief Magistrate set a new date, January 14th, 2020, for a new trial to commence.
