In a surprising turn of events today, Constable Reeza Persad of the Arima Municipal Police, who was charged in 2023 for refusing a breath test, has been freed by a Sangre Grande Magistrate. The officer was represented by Attorney at Law Terry Boyer during a trial that spanned three months.
The case revolved around an incident that occurred on June 4th, 2023. Constable Desmond ‘No Bligh’ Juteram attempted to conduct a breathalyzer test on Persad, but the device failed to capture a sample. During the cross examination, it was revealed that Juteram failed to adhere to standard operating procedures.
Furthermore, Juteram claimed to have made notes in his pocket diary and personally taken the breath analyzing instruments for maintenance, but he failed to produce these records to the court despite repeated adjournments. No reason was given for this failure to produce the documents.
Adding to the case’s complexity, the prosecution’s evidence seemed incomplete. No witnesses could confirm seeing Persad drive the vehicle on the day in question, leaving a significant gap in the prosecution’s narrative.
The case was prosecuted by State Attorney Timothy Welllilngton, while Persad was defended by Terry Boyer.
