George Town man bailed in face of re-trial

(CNS): A man awaiting trial on attempted murder charges has been released on bail after spending more than six months in custody and following the collapse of his trial last month. Justin Ramoon (21) has been granted bail after a panel of jurors wasdismissed half-way through his trial as a result a potential prejudice of the legal arguments presented by attorneys. Ramoon is now set for a retrial with a new panel of jurors on 15 July. Despite the crown counsel’s objections over what it said was a risk to the complainant’s safety, Justice Charles Quin allowed the George Town local man to be relieved from prison in connection with the charge of stabbing  Andrew Lopez outside a George Town bar last August.

Although his bail was refused before by Justice Alex Henderson, Ramoon’s defence counsel was given the okay to reapply for bail after the trial had come to a halt. Ramoon’s bail variations run in parallel to the seriousness of the offences he is facing. His defence counsel submitted that he has faced serious charges before and made all efforts to attend court and will continue to do so because he wants to “clear his name”. In addition, his mother handed up her land as surety in faith that her son will be present when required.

Justice Quin proceeded to bail Ramoon at a price of $950 and two sureties of $5,000 each and ordered that the defendant be fitted with an electronic tag as well as imposing a curfew from  8pm to 6am. Ramoon is to remain in residence with his mother and is not allowed to go into the Prospect area, where his alleged victim lives, unless required by his job.

Quin added that Ramoon must attend the police station three times a week as well as surrender his travel documents.