Senator Stuart Syvret was warned by the Assistant Magistrate yesterday that he could be arrested if he does not attend court tomorrow.Bridget Shaw altered the Senator’s bail conditions to ensure his attendance, after he failed to turn up to a hearing to decide whom he could call as witnesses in the case.
Senator Syvret, who is charged with driving licence and data protection offences, is defending himself. Defendants are not required to attend such hearings, but it is usual for their advocates to be in court.
Yesterday, Advocate Stephen Baker, who is acting for the prosecution, said that he had received a ‘sarcastic e-mail’ from the Senator two minutes after the hearing was due to start, saying that he would not be there. In the e-mail the Senator said that he was in London seeking legal advice and he apologised for not attending court.
Yesterday’s court hearing was held to decide if suspended police chief Graham Power and psychiatrist Dr Gil Blackwood could be called as witnesses.
No decision was made, as Senator Syvret was not in court.
Article posted on 22nd October, 2009 - 2.59pm
Arrest warning for absentee Senator