Dishonest means to an end

Wednesday 28th October 2009, 2:56PM GMT.

From Ray McCredie.
THERE can be no doubt as to the intentions or guilt of Mr Curtis Warren and his associates regarding the recent drugs trial here in Jersey, but the methods and tactics used to secure their convictions do raise some doubts.

Commissioner Sir Richard Tucker condemned some statements fiercely, and among the adjectives he used were ‘reprehensible’ and ‘unlawful’. However, these statements were deemed to be admissible evidence in the Royal Court.

There was indeed pressure and determination to convict Mr Warren, and quite rightly so, but this appears to be a classic case of ‘the end justifies the means’.

There does not seem to be any charter of principle or complete honesty here, a fact which will not go unnoticed by other jurisdictions. What does this say to the rest of the world?

There may come a point when, like the Income Tax structure, the judiciary may be scrutinised. If Messrs Warren and co ultimately decide to appeal against their convictions, they may just get lucky in a European Court.

1
Magnolia Man

October 28, 2009 at 4:39 pm

I hold absolutely no brief for Curtis Warren, recently convicted in the Royal Court for drug running. However, I am convinced that Warren will appeal against both conviction and sentence.

And he will win.

The method in which the evidence presented in court against him was doubtful, to say the very least, and it is that which will – in all probability – lead to his conviction being quashed. Commissioner Tucker’s remarks in his summing up will come back to bite the Jersey Police in the backside.

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2
FUBAR

October 28, 2009 at 5:31 pm

People like warren should never of been allowed in Jersey. We need a proper immigration policy to protect us from people like this. People should apply for a visa or electronic travel authority before even stepping into Jersey. SNAFU

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