Two policemen—a constable and a sergeant who is also a prosecutor were charged on Thursday with attempting to pervert the course of justice; this is in relation to the Bel Air Park multi-million dollar heist.
Police Constable Odel Percival was remanded to prison when he appeared before Magistrate Judy Latchman at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.
Police Prosecutor Sergeant Lionel Harvey was not present in court when the matter was called.
The allegation against Percival and Harvey is that on July 5, 2011, they consciously attempted to pervert the course of justice by offering Constable 19911 Kelvin Liverpool, a witness in the matter, a sum of $100,000 for him to provide contrary evidence in favour of Jermaine Mitchell who is charged with robbery under arms.
Percival who resides at Lot 482 Number One Road, Corentyne, Berbice pleaded not guilty when the charge was read to him.
The case was initially called before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine- Beharry, who recused herself, stating that Harvey was a prosecutor in her court.
Police Prosecutor Burgett Grant requested that an arrest warrant be issued for Harvey.
When asked by the magistrate if Harvey was aware that he had to attend court, the prosecution responded in the negative.
Magistrate Latchman then stated that an arrest warrant cannot be issued for Harvey since he did not know that he had to attend court.
She, however, issued a summons advising Harvey to attend court
Attorney-at-law Basil Williams, who represented Percival, stated that his client has been a member of the Guyana Police Force for 13 years and has an untarnished record.
He further stated that his client appeared before the court voluntarily and he intends to strongly contest the case to preserve his name.
He asked that his client be granted bail. The prosecution had no objection to bail.
However, the magistrate remanded the defendant to prison.
The matter will continue on March 13.
