Commissioner of Police Wendel Robinson is expressing concern about the many individuals being granted bail after they are charged with serious crimes.
Speaking at a recent press conference, the Commissioner said most often these individuals would seek their freedom through a judge if the lower court has no jurisdiction to grant bail.
“There are concerns from the police end with respect to persons who have been charged with very serious criminal offences, and while they cannot be granted bail by the Magistrates’ Court are granted bail in the High Court. For example, for persons who have been charged with aggravated robbery, attempted murder, kidnapping, even murder, and they get bail in the High Court,” Robinson said.
He added that while the police have no control over who gets bail, this is a development that “all of us should be concerned about”.
Robinson also addressed the issue of delays in bringing some of these serious cases to trial in a timely manner, especially in the High Court.
The top cop said once the police arrests and charges an individual for a serious crime like attempted murder, it may take between nine months to a year to have that matter sent to the High Court for committal proceedings.
He noted that he is concerned that some of these cases sometimes remain outstanding for more than five years.
“This undue delay, of course, the defendants will apply for bail and when they get bail in these serious matters, intelligence suggests, and there is evidence, that some of these same criminals are on bail for very serious criminal offences are key suspects and are arrested for other serious criminal offences,” Robinson said.
Robinson said this may be an issue for the judicial system, however, it is something that should be of concern to everyone.
He said serious adjustments need to be made to ensure a speedy trial for pending cases.
