DPP drops dangerous driving case against DCP Martin

Senior Reporter

derek.achong@guardian.co.tt

Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Suzette Martin will no longer be prosecuted for dangerous driving.

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) indicated its intention to discontinue the charge as Martin reappeared before Senior Magistrate Maureen Baboolal-Gafoor on Monday morning.

Deputy DPP Giselle Ferguson-Heller did not reveal the reason for the decision.

Guardian Media understands that there was an error in the notice of discontinuance that was initially filed and it was corrected before being presented during a follow-up hearing yesterday.

The outcome was welcomed by Martin’s lawyer Darren Mitchell, who thanked the DPP’s office for taking the action.

“I want to commend the DPP and by extension Miss Heller for the demonstration of justice and independence in a case that can be safely viewed as mischief and desperation,” Mitchell said.

Guardian Media attempted to contact DPP Roger Gaspard, to explain his decision to exercise his power under Section 90 of the Constitution to discontinue the case, but he did not answer calls to his cellphone and WhatsApp messages.

In a statement issued yesterday afternoon, Martin thanked God for the favourable outcome.

“I firmly believe that the truth has prevailed, and I thank the Almighty for providing clarity in this situation,” she said.

She said she always had the utmost respect for the criminal justice system based on her profession.

“The court operates with integrity and impartiality, and as a senior police officer, I remain committed to upholding the principles of justice and fairness in all aspects of my work,” she said.

Martin vowed to continue to protect and serve citizens of T&T.

“As Deputy Commissioner of Police, I continue to prioritise the safety and security of our people. My responsibility is to lead the T&T Police Service (TTPS) with professionalism, integrity, and commitment,” she said.

In a brief telephone interview, attorney Jagdeo Singh, who led Martin’s legal team, noted that he and his colleagues questioned the “strange” circumstances in which she was charged during her first court hearing.

Singh pointed out that she received a summons notifying her of the charge on the eve of the six-month deadline for laying the charge after the accident elapsed.

“The confluence of circumstances when this case was brought, when my client was up for promotion to the higher ranks, leaves very much to be desired because this case was closed for all intents and purposes by the police, who had conducted an investigation and no further action was required or recommended,” Singh said.

Singh said his client has not ruled out taking legal action over what transpired.

“My client is keeping her options open to vindicate her rights,” he said.

Contacted for comment on the decision yesterday, Police Complaints Authority (PCA) director David West declined to do so.

“I am not aware why the DPP discontinued the case so it will be inappropriate for me to comment,” West said.

The charge against Martin related to an incident on April 18 last year along the Priority Bus Route (PBR) in the Croisee, San Juan.

A 14-year-old student was crossing the road to get to school at 8.30 am when he was allegedly struck by an unmarked police vehicle driven by Martin. The victim suffered fractures to his leg.

An investigation was conducted by the PCA.

Martin was charged via summons and ordered to appear in court. The charge was laid by Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Wayne Mystar. Martin, who was a Senior Supt and the head of the T&T Police Service (TTPS) Professional Standards Bureau (PSB) at the time, pleaded not guilty.

Guardian Media understands that Martin briefly remained in charge of the unit that investigates misconduct allegations against police officers, as the Police Service Regulations did not require her to be suspended pending the outcome of the case.

While the case was pending, Martin received successive promotions. She currently serves as DCP of Intelligence and Investigations.

In a brief telephone interview yesterday, the teen’s father declined to immediately comment on the dropped case as he had just heard the news.

“I am still processing it,” he said.

He also provided an update on his son’s condition.

“Well, he has returned to school but still suffers from the injury. He is still doing therapy at the Arima Hospital. He has his next appointment in January,” he said.

He also claimed his son was still traumatised by the accident.

Martin was also represented by retired police commissioner James Philbert and attorney Rishi Seepersad.

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