Trial of Jamaica House cop slasher postponed

Barbara Gayle, Justice Coordinator

The trial of the man accused of slashing the throat of a policeman at the entrance to Jamaica House in December 2009, could not proceed yesterday in the Home Circuit Court because the court was told he is mentally ill.

Supreme Court Judge Sarah Thompson-James issued a bench warrant for 26-year-old Andre Pratt but it was stayed until October 16.

Pratt, who is charged with wounding with intent, was not at court yesterday.

Attorney-at-law Valerie Neita Robertson, who is representing Pratt, told the court that he was mentally ill and could not attend court.

Neita Robertson said Pratt had a mental history and the charge against him was as a result of his illness.

Justice Thompson-James ordered that a medical certificate for Pratt must be submitted to the court.

Pratt also was recently before the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate’s Court awaiting sentencing for assaulting a police corporal, while he was in custody at the Half-Way Tree police lock-up.

Resident Magistrate Georgiana Fraser has ruled that the case be transferred to the Drug Rehabilitation Court following an impassioned plea by his attorney.

The attorney told the court that her client has a drug problem and that counselling would work best in his situation instead of a prison sentence.

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