Absence of presiding judge delays Dalrymple-Philibert’s statutory declarations case
Published:Saturday | September 28, 2024 | 7:10 PMAndre Williams/Staff Reporter
Former House Speaker and Member of Parliament Marisa Dalrymple-Philibert, along with her legal team, encountered a delay in court yesterday at the preliminary hearing for her statutory declarations matter.
Due to the absence of the presiding judge, the case was heard in the gun court section of the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court by Chief Parish Judge Chester Crooks.
In spite of the snag, her lead attorney, King’s Counsel Peter Champagnie, expressed readiness and eagerness to present their case. Champagnie, who is assisted by attorneys Olivia Plowright and Neco Pagon, assured that the defence is fully prepared to defend the matter.
In September last year, the Integrity Commission (IC) recommended that Dalrymple-Philibert, a practising attorney, be slapped with eight criminal charges for making a false statement in her statutory declaration filings between 2015 and 2021.
The charges relate to breaches of the Parliament (Integrity of Members) Act and the Integrity Commission Act and are connected to the purchase of a 2015 Mercedes-Benz, which she omitted from her statutory declarations for six years, and the controversial use of a 20 per cent duty concession to purchase it.
Yesterday, Champagnie explained to the court that the defence had intended to raise a preliminary issue concerning whether the case should proceed to trial, in line with the court’s directive. He further stated that the defence had complied with the court’s order to serve their bundle of authority and submissions to the Integrity Commission by September 20.
“The IC was also to serve a response if they deemed it necessary. We received that this morning (yesterday), and the understanding was that we would address the issue before you, Your Honour,” Champagnie said before being interrupted by Judge Crooks.
Justice Crooks explained that the case was originally set for Court Four, but was transferred due to the absence of the presiding judge.
“I am hesitant to make a ruling on a matter that might go before another tribunal,” Judge Crooks noted.
The case was temporarily stood down to allow Dalrymple-Philibert’s legal team to consult and agree on a suitable date for the next sitting. Upon resumption, Champagnie informed the court that the defence had complied with the order to serve submissions to the IC, which was completed the previous Friday.
“My learned friend presented their submissions this morning (yesterday). Normally, we would object to late service, but we understand the reasons for the delay. Having reviewed the submissions, we are ready to proceed and are anxious to have the preliminary hearing,” Champagnie stated.
Dalrymple-Philibert has been ordered to return to court on October 11.
Dalrymple-Philibert resigned from her roles as House Speaker and member of parliament for Trelawny Southern in September last year, days after the Integrity Commission’s report was tabled in Parliament.