Minutes after corruption allegations against him were dropped former PNM Works Minister Franklin Khan was overcome with emotion, declaring that the past five years have been "torture for me and my family."
Yesterday, Khan, who was showered with hugs and kisses from relatives and supporters, made the brief statement as he emerged from the San Fernando Magistrates' Court after the charges were dropped. Director of Public Prosecutions Roger Gaspard, who appeared before Deputy Chief Magistrate Mark Wellington, indicated the State could no longer rely on the evidence of its star witness, former PNM councillor Dansam Dansook. "Therefore, the prosecution wishes to offer no evidence against this accused," Gaspard said. The DPP alluded to certain developments that happened prior to the yesterday's court matter. However, he did not divulge what were the developments.
Gaspard said Dansook made "certain utterances" which were reduced into writing and, based on those utterances, he had launched an inquiry. "It amounts to a conspiracy to pervert the course of public justice," Gaspard said. He further contended that based on recent developments, "I do not believe Dansam Dansook is the type of witness that the prosecution chooses to mount any further prosecution against Franklin Khan." Yesterday's development comes two years after former PNM Energy Minister Eric Williams, who was facing corruption charges levelled by Dansook, was freed of all charges. Khan was charged following allegations he accepted bribes from Dansook in exchange for contracts from 2001 to 2003.
Yesterday, Dansook hastily went to his vehicle following the matter. He told reporters: "I have nothing to say." He spent close to six days under intense cross- examination from defence attorney Gilbert Peterson SC during the preliminary inquiry and was expected to return to the witness stand yesterday. However, Gaspard appeared before Wellington and made the surprise announcement. He apologised to the court for the absence of lead attorney in the matter, Queen's Counsel Christopher Sallon. Gaspard said even though Dansook had given evidence it was insufficient to "mount a prima facie case." Peterson told Wellington the DPP informed him of the developments in the matter.
"I must say it is a commendable position to take. I did not expect anything else," he said. Khan, who appeared teary-eyed, declined further comment on the matter and directed all questions to his attorney. Peterson said it appeared that Dansook had recanted on his statutory declaration on which the charges were based. "This is obviously a witness on whom the DPP has, in my view, correctly considered...that he cannot rely upon to advance prosecution against anyone, far more a public officer in public office," Peterson said.
He also agreed with the DPP's decision to launch an inquiry. "I think it's the proper counsel. I do not think the DPP has a choice otherwise. I think he is discharging his duty by commencing or commissioning a criminal investigation into what he says appears to be a conspiracy to pervert the course of justice," Peterson added.