Lawyer wants complainant in assault case charged

There was tension between a senior parish judge and a defence attorney in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court yesterday, as they exchanged views on a complainant who should be charged and placed before the courts.

Vincent Wellesley Jr demanded that the complainant against his clients, Deidre Wright and Ramone Orgil, should be charged for breaching the Cybercrime Act.

"They (Wright and Orgil) went to the police station and made a report and the matter is still not before the court. Your Honour, I think you should make the order for the file to be brought," Wellesley submitted. But his submission received great opposition from Senior Parish Judge Paula Blake-Powell who stressed that she, in her judicial capacity, cannot order the police to do their job.

"The police have an hierarchy and that should be followed," Judge Blake-Powell indicated.

"Well, let them take it to social media then," Wellesley responded.

The allegations are that on April 16, the complainant and her sister-in-law were at a supermarket on Old Hope Road when Orgil, the complainant's ex-boyfriend, and Wright, attacked her, punching her multiple times in the face and back and pulling her hair. However, Wellesley contends that the complainant publicised an explicit video of Wright and Orgil.

"I just want her [the complainant] to get charged because my client has made a statement but the police have not appreciated it by carrying the file before the court," Wellesley continued.

The judge, not swayed, suggested that he elevates the issue to the sub-officer in charge of Matilda's Corner Police Station, where the report was made by his clients.

"And if they don't take up the issue there, then go to the Commissioner of Police office. I can't force the police to bring a matter before me," Judge Blake-Powell reasoned.

Wellesley, before leaving the bench, indicated that his clients want the matter to be put to an end, as they are being inconvenienced because they live and work outside of the jurisdiction.

The matter was adjourned until September 7, to facilitate file completion. - T.T.

- T.T.