Larceny charges against a deaf man were not read to him in the San Fernando Magistrates Court for the past two days because no one could communicate with him.Atiba Spann was arrested Wednesday and taken to court on Thursday and then again yesterday, but the matter could not proceed. In the circumstances, Senior Magistrate Nanette Forde-John granted Spann $35,000 bail.
The offences allegedly took place at Republic Bank's Gulf View branch. It is alleged that Spann stole a jacket, a bottle of mixed nuts, a bottle of Lysol and a Baygon spray from an employee. The other charge alleged that he stole five bank card holders, valued at $15, and three cheque book wallets belonging to the bank.
Yesterday, prosecutor Sgt Veano Ragoo told Forde-John that Spann initially appeared in the Sixth Court on Wednesday where an interpreter was present. However, the charges were not read to him because the interpreter had difficulty understanding Spann because he had no formal schooling and did not know formal sign language. The matter was then transferred to the Fourth Court and he was remanded into custody.
When he appeared in the Fourth Court yesterday, there was no interpreter so the matter was stood down until after lunch. The matter was then called in the First Court, but the interpreter still did not show up.Spann was represented by attorney Subhas Panday, but despite fervent attempts Panday could take no instructions from him. Panday said Spann's family was in court earlier, but apparently left.
Saying it would also be senseless to get an official interpreter because Spann never learnt formal sign language, he suggested that a family member who could understand him assist the court. Spann, who has other criminal matters pending, was later granted bail and the matter transferred to the Fourth Court for next Thursday.