Two monumental court proceedings happened today:
1) The Buju Banton bail hearing
2) Rev. Al Miller's hearing.
Let's Deal With Buju's Case, First
Yes, Buju was offered US $250,000 bail, however, the conditions of his bail are so onerous, that I'm wondering if he shouldn't just save himself the expense and remain in prison until December.
His bail conditions are:
1) His bail is to be paid by someone other than himself...the judge (Justice Anthony Porcelli), wanted to ensure that his being a flight risk was diminished, and so attached this condition.
2) He is to wear an electronic monitor at all times
3) He will be under house arrest and will be under 24 hours/day surveillance. Yes friends, he will be paying for security personnel and equipment that will watch him for 24 hours a day, for at least 47 days until December.
(Buju's friend has offered Buju, the use of house, until his trial in December).
4) Buju Banton will only be allowed outside the house to see his lawyer, to go to the doctor and to get medicine
5) He must tell per-trial officers of his every move whenever he's to leave the house or elese he'll be thrown back into prison
6) He will undergo mandatory drug tests.
Additionally:
Since Buju Banton's visa was revoked as a result of his arrest in December, his lawyer will need to apply for bail from the immigration court (another expense, plus lawyer fees). This court has the option of giving him bail or refusing to do so.
[The immigration court has put him (or rather his deportation) on hold, pending the results of his first trial].
Buju has not posted (paid) bail as yet.
His new trial date in December, is yet to be announced.
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Now to the Rev. Al Miller's Case
Rev. Miller appeared in court today, as slated. However his trial date was postponed until February 1,2011.
(Apparently the police have yet to provide transcripts of his cellphone conversations that are necessary to proceed with his trial).
Rev. Miller was charged in June for harbouring a fugitive (Christopher "Dudus" Coke) and for perverting the course of justice.
Well, the first charge (harbouring a fugitive) has been dropped and is now replaced by a new charge: Accessory after the fact.
As usual, Girl With a Purpose (GWAP) Blog will keep you updated re any new happenings in the above two cases.
Gillian
Sources Include
1) Power 106 FM, October 14, 2010
2) Nationwide Radio, October 14, 2010.
