The charge against an Albion, Corentyne businessman for breaching COVID-19 protocols was yesterday dismissed by Magistrate Rabindranath Singh.
The businessman, Sanjay Prittipaul, who was arraigned in the Albion Magistrate’s Court, entered a not guilty plea to the charge.
Having to leave the country, the businessman who operates Vibes Food Court, located at Albion Front, Corentyne, requested an expedited trial. This was granted by the magistrate.
After explaining the facts and relating his version of the story, the Magistrate analysed the police’s version, and subsequently dismissed the matter.
Prittipaul told the court that even after he was escorted to the station, he had to wait. He said that he was not placed on any bail and it was on Thursday that ranks visited him at his office and requested that he sign a form of recognisance. He said too that it was during that time, he was informed that he was being charged and had to appear in court.
Prittipaul further told the court that he is well aware of the COVID-19 restrictions and closes his business at 9.15pm. He stated that on Saturday night, police visited his premises at 9.32pm but the last patron had already left.
Nonetheless, he said that the rank acting on orders, escorted him to the police station and had him waiting for two hours after which he was allowed to go.
Police in a report last week said that the businessman was arrested at approximately 9.35pm.
According to the police report, a party of policemen on patrol duty in the Albion Station District observed a large number of vehicles parked on both sides of the Albion Public Road along with a large crowd within and around the restaurant and bar.
As a result, the ranks immediately went to the proprietor and ordered him to close his doors and disperse the crowd.
He was arrested and escorted to the Albion Police Station and placed into custody for breaching the Emergency Guidelines by hosting a social activity beyond the stipulated 21:30hrs as well as other breaches.
