Benschop, Kissoon cross-examine witnesses in absence of attorneys

Two more witnesses took the stand on Friday last as the trial into obstructing the municipal works at Le Repentir dumpsite continued; with which activist Mark Benschop and columnist Freddie Kissoon have been charged.

Vishnu Sookram, driver of the garbage truck who was allegedly hampered from performing his duties, completed his testimony. He related to the court the sequence of events surrounding the incident which took place on the day in question.

Superintendent of Police Lawrence Kissoon also gave evidence. He related that he had received a telephone call and was told of a report of an alleged obstruction at the dumpsite.
He spoke of the events leading up to the arrest of the defendants. He too completed his testimony on Friday.

Both witnesses were cross-examined by the jointly-charged accused themselves as their attorneys Nigel Hughes and Khemraj Ramjattan were absent from the proceedings.

The trial which commenced on March 9 will continue on April 26. Three more witnesses are still to take to the stand.

Benschop and Kissoon have denied the charge levelled against them and were placed on $1 bail each.

The allegation against the duo is that on December 21, 2010 at Cemetery Road, Georgetown, they obstructed the municipal worker from performing his duty at the dumpsite.

The matter is being heard by Magistrate Chandra Sohan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.