Log In

Reset Password
BERMUDA | RSS PODCAST

Lawyers rapped by judge in cocaine trial

Mrs Justice Wade as a $42,000 drug importation trial entered its second week.Mrs. Justice Wade disagreed with Mr. Khamisi Tokunbo and Mr. Archie Warner, at different times in the Supreme Court trial, as they cross examined prosecution witnesses.

Mrs Justice Wade as a $42,000 drug importation trial entered its second week.

Mrs. Justice Wade disagreed with Mr. Khamisi Tokunbo and Mr. Archie Warner, at different times in the Supreme Court trial, as they cross examined prosecution witnesses.

And Crown Counsel Mr. Brian Calhoun accused Mr. Tokunbo of complaining about evidence he had raised himself.

The trial concerns 19-year-old Bermudian Robin Young and American Jacqueline Martells.

Young, of Boundary Terrace, in Devonshire, stands accused of importation of a controlled drug, conspiracy to import, possession and handling. Martells, 22, from Brooklyn, New York is charged with conspiracy.

Two bags containing cocaine were found in the bottom of Young's bag when she flew into Bermuda Airport from New York on Sunday, February 9. Martells was on the same plane and is believed to have come to Bermuda to collect money spent on the drugs and send it back to America.

Defending Martells, Mr. Tokunbo had continued his cross examination of narcotics officer Det. Con. Kimberley Vickers where he left off on Friday.

Studying statements and a question and answer statement Mr. Tokunbo asked if his client had actually said certain things that appeared to be unprompted in the statements.

Mr. Tokunbo said his client's statement was filled with "don't knows'' and assumptions. He accused the Police officer of adopting a headmistress's tone during the questioning.

He asked if Det. Con. Vickers' statements were a complete record of all her conversations with Martells. She replied that not everything had been recorded.

Mr. Tokunbo asked why the officer had failed to put some of this as evidence before the court, but he was stopped by Mrs. Justice Wade who said that it was unfair because the evidence had been available to the Crown Counsel the week before the case.

She continued: "You are complaining about things that you have elicited. You cannot castigate the witness, the Crown Counsel makes the case.'' Mr. Calhoun agreed, stating that Mr. Tokunbo was complaining about evidence he was leading, and pointed out that during statements taken at Hamilton Police Station a lawyer was always present to assist Martells.

The Crown Counsel then called Det. Con. Rudi Richardson but said that he had no question. He only called the officer because defence lawyers wanted to put questions to him. Mr. Tokunbo questioned Det. Con. Richardson on his and Det.

Con. Vickers' roles in the arrest of his client.

Defending Young, Mr. Warner asked that the Police officer's written statement be produced.

Mrs. Justice Wade said it had been stated a number of times that Det. Con.

Vickers had her colleague's statement. But Det. Const. Vickers had already left the court and could not be found.