Fans line street as Alleyne answers charges

Host of Crime Watch Ian Alleyne appeared in the Port-of-Spain Magistrate’s Court yesterday to answer four criminal charges. As he waited patiently for his matter to be called by Chief Magistrate Marcia Ayers-Caesar, hundreds of his fans lined St Vincent Street, in the hope of catching a glimpse of Alleyne leaving the court. After a short appearance before Ayers-Caesar, Alleyne was granted $80,000 bail to cover all four charges.  

In less than 30 minutes after the matter was adjourned, Alleyne’s bail bond was approved by a Clerk of the Peace II and he was allowed to leave the courthouse to greet his fans. Ayers-Caesar read three charges under section 32 (2) of the Sexual Offences Act. It is alleged that on October 25 and 26 last year, Alleyne broadcast a video on television station TV6 three times, during which a rape victim’s identity was released to the public.  

He was also charged with resisting ASP Ajith Persad in the execution of his duties, stemming from an incident last Thursday evening at the Caribbean Communications Network (CCN), Independence Square, Port-of-Spain compound. He denied all four charges. CCN is the parent company of TV6. CCN also faces three charges under the Sexual Offences Act and three charges each for breach of its broadcaster’s licence and concession under the Telecommunications Act.

While making a bail application, Alleyne’s attorney Om Lalla raised the issue of his client’s arrest and detention by police. CCN was issued summonses to appear in court to face the nine charges, while Alleyne was arrested and kept at the Central Police Station, Port-of-Spain for one night, Lalla noted.

Before adjourning the matter, Ayers-Caesar summoned senior officers of the Court and Process Branch to answer questions in open court about an alleged breach in procedure which occurred while they were dealing with Alleyne. Alleyne will reappear in court on May 14, together with executives of CCN, who are expected to make their first appearance.