-no explanation provided
Without explanation, the state yesterday withdrew its application to revoke the bail of Assistant Police Commissioner Calvin Brutus.
The surprise move came during a hearing before Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court. Prosecutor David Brathwaite announced the decision but provided no explanation for the withdrawal.
The move raised questions from Brutus’s defence attorney Eusi Anderson, who sought clarification from the court. However, no rationale was offered by the prosecution.
The Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) which had brought the charges against Brutus issued a statement yesterday refuting an online report but did not explain why the application had been withdrawn.
During the hearing, the prosecution questioned the status of Brutus’s wife, Adonika Aulder who had been granted permission to leave Guyana temporarily but had remained abroad beyond the permitted timeframe. The defence attorney stated that Brutus’s wife is undergoing medical treatment and assured the court that documentation to substantiate this claim would be presented at the next hearing.
Brathwaite expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of evidence and accused the defence of making unsupported claims. Magistrate McGusty acknowledged the breach of the court’s directive by Brutus’s wife and stressed the importance of compliance. She warned that the court could exercise its full authority if the required documents were not produced as promised.
The defence attorney assured the court that the necessary medical documents would be provided and requested permission for Brutus to visit Lethem, where his father resides. He argued that Brutus had complied with court directives, noting that recordings demonstrated Brutus’s communication with regional authorities regarding his travel. The defence also offered for Brutus to report daily to the Lethem police if required.
The prosecution’s motion to revoke Brutus’s bail on December 23 stemmed from allegations that he attempted to leave the country in December despite being prohibited from travelling. On December 16, 2024, Brutus was intercepted near the Takutu Bridge in Lethem, Region 9, while travelling in a vehicle with Brazilian licence plates. Authorities alleged that he was attempting to cross into Brazil without proper authorization.
Brutus had been ordered to surrender his passport and notify authorities of any intent to leave the jurisdiction as part of his bail conditions. However, the prosecution claimed that Brutus boarded a Trans Guyana flight to Lethem and proceeded toward the border without informing regional police or obtaining clearance.
The next court hearing will address the issues raised, including the documentation regarding Brutus’s wife’s extended stay abroad. Brutus, who was appointed Assistant Police Commissioner in 2021, was placed under investigation on allegations of misconduct and misuse of office.
On November 18 this year Brutus was charged with 201 financial crimes, bringing the total number of charges against him to 231.
He was granted bail totaling $10.05 million during his appearance at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court.
The charges encompass liability of an official, misconduct in public office, obtaining money by false pretence, larceny and money laundering among others.
The matter was adjourned to December 31 for the documents to be produced by the defence.
The defence team for Brutus includes Anderson, Earl Daniels, Yuborn Allicock and Darren Wade.
