In a recent case in Chaguanas, Magistrate Duane Murray delivered some valuable advice to the police regarding laying charges without proper evidence. The magistrate emphasized the importance of not discriminating against individuals in the application of the law and highlighted the necessity for solid evidence before charging someone.
The case in question involved Andro Roberto Rojas Morales, a Cuban man who was charged for never having been issued a TT driver’s permit and driving without insurance. However, Morales possessed an international driver’s license, which his attorney argued was valid under the Motor Vehicle Road Traffic Act due to being from a signatory country to the Geneva Convention.
Magistrate Murray ultimately dismissed the charges against Morales, stating that there was no evidence to suggest the international permit was invalid. He also called for the police to conduct thorough inquiries before laying charges to avoid similar situations in the future.
In a firm decision, Magistrate Murray ordered the immediate return of Morales’ international driver’s permit and Cuban passport, emphasizing the importance of following due process and ensuring that individuals are not unjustly charged without proper evidence.
