Monday 26 October 2009

Jersey senator's arrest ordered

Senator Syvret is representing himself in his abuse of process proceedings
A Jersey senator's arrest has been ordered after he failed to appear in court for a second time this week.

Senator Stuart Syvret was due in the Magistrates' Court earlier as part of his abuse of justice process hearing.

He is charged with data protection and motoring offences but has since called for an abuse of process hearing over the way his arrest was handled.

He did not turn up for court on Wednesday and was told he would be arrested if he did not show on Friday.

Assistant Magistrate Bridget Shaw has made an order for Mr Syvret's arrest with a £100 bail option.

'Reasonable excuse'

His previous bail conditions were changed earlier in the week when he missed a directions hearing in his abuse of process case.

On Wednesday the prosecution said Mr Syvret had emailed the court saying he was in London getting legal advice when he should have been in court.

The assistant magistrate then asked him to attend on Friday, saying he could face arrest if he did not appear without a reasonable excuse.

The court heard on Friday afternoon that Mr Syvret had acknowledged receipt of the bail changes and the requirement for him to appear today.

Mr Syvret is representing himself in the proceedings.
The case has been adjourned until 9 November
Jersey senator's arrest ordered.