Children’s Court Judge Nirala Bansee-Sookhai on Tuesday freed an 18-year-old man, after upholding a no-case submission made by his attorney.
In agreeing with defence attorney Bhimal Maharajh, Bansee-Sookhai found the prosecution’s case “manifestly weak and tenuous,” and unworthy of a conviction.
The teenager, who was 16 when charged in April 2023, had faced a robbery allegation.
Justice Bansee-Sookhai noted that the State’s case rested largely on circumstantial and hearsay evidence. A central issue was the absence of the alleged victim, who is currently abroad, meaning their statement could not be admitted into evidence.
The court also heard from a security guard stationed on the Chaguanas Main Road, where the robbery was said to have occurred. He testified that he did not see the incident.
Other witnesses gave conflicting accounts. One claimed the robbery occurred on April 9, though the charge sheet listed April 4. Another suggested the victim was injured, but the State presented no evidence to support this, nor did it provide proof of the value of the stolen items or money.
Citing these inconsistencies, Maharajh argued that the case could not be sustained.
Bansee-Sookhai agreed and dismissed the charge, releasing the teenager into the care of his grandmother. - Jensen La Vende
