Attorneys representing former prime minister Basdeo Panday yesterday began their no-case submission, during which an application was made to dismiss the matter on the basis that the prosecution had failed to prove its case. David Aaronberg, QC, laid the groundwork for the no-case submission during a two-hour hearing yesterday afternoon in the Port-of-Spain First Magistrate's Court. Panday is before magistrate Marcia Murray on a retrial for allegedly failing to declare a London bank account, contrary to the Integrity in Public Life Act.
He is accused of failing to disclose the account at National Westminster Bank plc, Wimbledon, London, to the Integrity Commission for the years 1997 to 1999. In March 2006, Panday was initially found guilty and sentenced by Chief Magistrate Sherman Mc Nicholls to serve two years in prison, the maximum penalty under the law. Panday appealed the decision and the conviction was quashed by the Court of Appeal and a retrial ordered, which was upheld on appeal to the Privy Council.