Port-of-Spain: Contempt of Court proceedings are to be formally initiated against CNC 3’s Deputy Head of News Sampson Nanton and reporter Khamal Georges next Monday. Subpoenas were issued for the two last week.
Nanton and Georges along with Managing Director CEO of the television house Gabriel Faria stood before Justice Prakash Moosai in court today.
The matter was adjourned to next Monday. Following the request for the adjournment by defense attorney Sean Cazabon Justice Moosai said the matter needs to be dealt with expeditiously.
Sitting in the Port of Spain first assizes the judge said, he will give it priority and all must be ready to proceed Georges, Nanton, and the station’s Managing Director/ CEO Mr. Faria were asked to stand by the judge. Submissions are to be served on both sides later this week in order to initiate formal proceedings of contempt against the three.
They were cited for contempt after Director of Public Prosecutions Roger Gaspard, reviewed materials regarding a broadcast on the CNC3 news programme on the trial of Laventille resident Barry Alphonso. Following the review DPP Gaspard held the view that the broadcast had crossed the line.
On June 29th, 43 year old Mr Alphonso, of Dorata Street, Laventille, was found not guilty of possession of arms and ammunition by a nine-member jury. It wasAlphonso's attorney Wayne Sturge who informed the court about the contents of the case being aired on CNC3, and a similar broadcast on TV6's Crime Watch programme. Questions were also raised about crime watch host Ian Alleyne’s mention of Alfonso during his programme.
However Alleyne was cleared of the allegations of contempt of court after the DPP found that no evidence was discovered which could be deemed contemptuous.
CNC3's interests are being represented by attorney Sean Cazabon, Ian Brooks. The two are being advised by Senior Counsel Gilbert Peterson. Senior Prosecutor Jerron Joseph and Wayne Sturge are appearing for the state.
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