Court delays trial for JP charged after Independence Day crash
Published:Friday | December 20, 2024 | 12:08 AMBryan Miller/Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
The court case involving Hanover Custos Dr David Stair and senior Justice of the Peace (JP) Alvin Jackson, stemming from a traffic accident on Independence Day, has been rescheduled for trial on January 8.
The case, which was originally set for Monday, December 16, was postponed after Jackson, who faces charges of leaving the scene of an accident and failing to report the accident within the time required by law, appeared in Hanover Traffic Court on December 4 and pleaded not guilty.
Reports state that after completing his official duties on Independence Day, August 6, Stair was on his way home to Hopewell, located on the eastern side of the parish, around 11 p.m.
He reportedly stopped along a pothole-riddled section of the Lucea main road to allow another motorist to navigate a pothole when Jackson’s vehicle, a Suzuki Rav4, reportedly collided with Stair’s, causing significant damage.
Both men refused to accept responsibility for the accident, prompting Stair to call the police. However, while waiting for the police to arrive, Jackson reportedly left the scene in his vehicle, which had no serious damage.
Stair’s vehicle was in no condition to drive and had to be removed by a wrecker.
Although Stair reported the accident, it is alleged that Jackson did not.
According to Superintendent Andrew Nish, the Hanover police commander, attempts to locate Jackson at his home were unsuccessful although a message had been left for him to contact the police.
Jackson eventually contacted the police, and an arrangement was made for him to visit the traffic department, where he was subsequently charged for leaving the scene of an accident and failing to report an accident.
There are indications that the case could be moved out of Hanover due to the familiarity between court personnel and the two men, both of whom are part of the justice network in the parish through their affiliations with the lay magistrate system.
“One judge has already recused herself from the case because she is quite familiar with the two men, and I rather suspect it will be the same situation with the other judge, who set the January 8 trial date,” a source familiar with the court’s operations told The Gleaner. “Indications are that it could be transferred to the Westmoreland Parish Court.”