Chaguanas teenager Devon Sookdeo who was beaten about the body by three police officers with a bull pistle in 2004 has won his legal battle against the Attorney General.

When the matter was called before San Fernando Chamber Court judge Charmaine Pemberton on Tuesday, the State agreed to pay him damages.

Sookdeo, 18, of Goodwill Road, Chaguanas, through attorney Anand Ramlogan, had filed a wrongful arrest and detention, assault and battery case against the State.

He claimed that three officers, PCs Adams, Calliste and Valdez attached to the Chaguanas Police Station, arrested him at his home on July 13, 2004, at 11.30 pm.

Sookdeo stated that they handcuffed him, took him to the station where he was placed in a cell and beaten.

He was held at the station from midnight to 6.30 am.

He said he asked why he was arrested but was verbally abused and threatened.

The police eventually allowed him to leave on July 14 at 7 am.

Sookdeo said on July 26, 2004, at 1.04 am the same policemen returned to his home and arrested him again.

He was taken to the station where he was ordered to take off his T-shirt and pull down his pants.

He was beaten about the body with a bull pistle and other devices.

After the beating he was thrown in a cell where he was left bruised and bleeding.

He was charged with possession of marijuana and was threatened by the policemen to plead guilty.

He said at no time he was informed of his constitutional rights and right to consult or retain a lawyer.

Sookdeo said he was not allowed to make a telephone call while he was in custody.

On Tuesday, Pemberton ordered that, by consent of state attorney Sajeev Lalla, damages be paid.

She declared the arrest and detention was unlawful and the refusal of the police to inform Sookdeo of his rights to retain an attorney and communicate with him was unconstitutional and illegal.

Thursday 21st July, 2005

Britons warned against rising crime in T&T

Days after an explosion rocked Frederick Street in Port-of-Spain, the British Foreign and Commonwealth office has issued a travel advisory warning Britons to be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks.

Last Monday, an explosive device exploded in a dustbin on the city’s main street, injuring 13 people, one of whom remains hospitalised.

In its advisory, dated July 15, the British Foreign Office said, “You should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners.”

It states that while most visits to T&T are trouble-free, Britons should be aware that there are increasing levels of violent crime, especially shootings and kidnappings.

“British nationals have been victims of recent violent attacks in both islands,” the advisory said, strongly recommending getting comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling.

In its advisory under the sub-heading “Terrorism,” the British government warned of attacks and mentioned the 1990 insurrection by the Jamaat al Muslimeen.

British nationals were also advised to take precautions against theft, which the advisory said can be a problem at nights in parts of downtown Port-of-Spain and other urban areas.

“There has also been a worrying increase in robberies and break-ins in all areas and an increase in attacks, some involving the use of firearms, at tourist sites, including Fort George, and also at car parks of supermarkets/shopping malls around Port of Spain and other areas, and at business premises.

“In some cases, foreign nationals have been shot, including a German national who was shot dead at his home on 18 January and a British national who was shot during a robbery at home on 21 April, the advisory said.