The ongoing fraud trial of former Petrojam Chairman, Dr. Perceval Bahado-Singh, and former General Manager, Floyd Grindley has been adjourned until May 6.
The trial, which is being heard in the Kingston and St. Andrew Parish Court, was postponed on Friday after the defense accused the prosecution of misconduct.
Robian Williams was in court.
Dr. Perceval Bahado-Singh is accused of claiming reimbursement for overseas trips and meetings which he did not undertake, during his time leading the board of the state owned oil refinery.
Floyd Grindley is accused of aiding and abetting Dr. Bahado-Singh.
The reimbursement claims, which were made between December 2016 and May 2018, amounted to more than $73 thousand US.
At today’s exchange rate, that amounts to approximately $11 million Jamaican.
On Friday, the defense took issue with the late disclosure of a document by the prosecution.
Dr. Bahado-Singh’s attorney, Bert Samuels says the document would’ve been helpful to his arguments.
He says the withholding of the document amounts to prosecutorial misconduct.
As a result of the late disclosure, the defense will now reopen its no case submissions when the trial resumes in May.
Mr. Samuels explains how the document could’ve assisted his case.
The prosecution signalled its intention to amend the indictment currently before the court.
Mr. Samuels says the move is unusual at this late stage in the trial.
The trial which initially started in May 2022 is being presided over by Parish Court Judge, Maxine Ellis.
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