Two police officers, a contractor and a welder charged with the kidnapping for ransom of a businessman’s wife, Natalie Pollonais were again refused bail when they reappeared in court on Tuesday.
San Fernando Senior Magistrate Cherril-Anne Antoine said the main reason for the denial was the serious nature of the charge.
“The court looks at the matter and consider that it is not only the kidnapping but an allegation also of negotiating for a ransom. The court is of the view that these are serious charges and the court can’t grant bail at this time.”
PC Ian Dwarika, 44, SRP Shaundelle Euin, 24, both last attached to the La Romain Police Post, Shain Steven, 37, a building contractor, of Inverness Road, Princes Town and Gregory James, 50, of La Brea, were not present in the First Court because they were not brought down from prison.
They are being represented by attorneys Carl Mattis, Shiva Boodoo, Indira Binda and Shodan Mahabir Jr James, however, does not have an attorney. The attorneys had submitted that the men who were charged under the Kidnapping Act were entitled to bail.
Police prosecutor Cleyon Seedan did not object to bail. Pollonais went missing on September 6, after she left C3 Centre at Ste Madeleine in her BMW 5308 hybrid sedan around 11.30 am.
She was subsequently reported missing by her husband Jason Pollonais who runs Inland and Offshore Contractors Ltd at South Oropouche.
Hours later the police found her car abandoned at an apartment building at Cypress Hills, Union Hall. The kidnappers subsequently contacted the husband and demanded a ransom for her safe return.
Four days later, members of the Special Operations Response Team rescued Pollonais after they intercepted a white Nissan AD Wagon along the Churchill Roosevelt Highway in El Socorro.
The accused were subsequently arrested and charged by ASP Peter Ramdeen with kidnapping for ransom. Steven is also charged with pursuing a ransom by negotiating for the release of a kidnapped person.
Boodoo, who is representing Dwarika, signalled to the magistrate that he intends to make another application for bail at the next hearing.
The magistrate reminded him that bail can be reconsidered if there is a change in circumstances. But, she said, “I will not block you. I know you are seeking your client’s interest.”
The magistrate noted that the accused can apply to a judge in chambers for bail. The matter was adjourned to December 5.
