Hinds Jnr sentencing in limbo after magistrate’s dismissal

Samuel Hinds Jnr

Samuel Hinds Jnr, who was recently convicted for beating and threatening his sister-in-law, did not face sentencing yesterday owing to the absence of a probation officer who was due to report to the court.

Hinds Jr’s fate is now unclear after it was announced yesterday that the presiding magistrate, Geeta Chandan-Edmond, had been relieved of her duties. Although a state prosecutor suggested that the conviction would stand, attorney Nigel Hughes yesterday opined that the “immediate effect of the termination of the Magistrate’s service is that the verdict against Mr. Hinds is vacated and a new trial before a different Magistrate will now follow.”

Earlier this month, Hinds Jnr, 33, of Lot 83 Duke Street, Kingston, was found guilty of assaulting and threatening Tenza Lane. Police said he