The criminal assizes came to an abrupt close yesterday after High Court Justice Albert Redhead’s decision to traverse the scheduled trial of former legislator Andre Penn to the next assizes.
Mr. Redhead reached the decision with some reluctance.
After first rejecting a submission for the matter to be adjourned from Mr. Penn’s counsel, Michael Fay, QC, Mr. Redhead eventually allowed the delay because the defendant has related matters pending before the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court of Appeal.
“But you will be tried,” Mr. Redhead assured Mr. Penn, before scheduling the matter to be heard on Oct. 7. “I have no doubt in my mind.”
In his most recent appeal, Mr. Penn claims that his constitutional rights were violated because he was not arraigned within two months of the announcement of his retrial, according to an application he filed in the High Court Registry.
Whether or not Mr. Penn’s trial commences on Oct. 7 as scheduled, Mr. Redhead won’t preside over it.
The closing of the assizes yesterday marked the end of the judge’s two-year appointment in the Virgin Islands.
See the July 25, 2013 edition for full coverage.