Accused request for passport to shop in St. Thomas denied
In accordance with court records, Mr. Ragnauth, a businessman, allegedly assaulted his wife over their business finances.
In his first court appearance on May, 29, 2012, he had pleaded not guilty before Magistrate Tamia Richards, and was offered $45,000 bail with one signed surety. In addition he was ordered to surrender his travel documents and report to the Road Town Police Station every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
On behalf of the defendant’s rightful lawyer Ms. Mari-lou Creque, Mr. Stephen Daniels brought to the court’s attention, a request coming from the accused, asking for an amendment to his current bail.
In addressing the court, Mr. Daniels stated that the defendant, who is also an entrepreneur and owner of Mala’s West Indian Delight in Baugher’s Bay, wished to travel to St. Thomas on Saturday July 21, 2012, to make shopping to furnish his business for the upcoming festival season.
In the request, Mr. Daniels stated that Mr. Ragnauth wishes to collect his passport from Police custody and return it the same afternoon upon his return.
In rebuttal to the defendant’s amendment of the application of bail, Senior Crown Counsel Representative Janice Stout said the Crown is not pleased and wishes to disapprove of the amendment, seeing that the business is owned by the defendant and his wife and they are still partners in the business.
Ms. Stoutt further stated that the wife of Mr. Ragnauth, who is also the Virtual Complainant in the case, is accustomed to travelling oversees to shop for the business. She added that the wife has the proper documents to do so as well and the responsibilities can be imposed upon her.
“The Crown objects to the release of Mr. Ragnauth’s passport to travel.”
In response to the statements coming from the Crown, Mr. Daniel informed the court that the defendant and the wife are no longer married.
Presiding over the Magistrate’s Court, Magistrate Tamia Richards denied and withdrew Mr. Daniels’ application for amendment in the bail requirements and stated that it is not a valuable reason to release the defendant’s travel documents, seeing that he is traveling to support the economy of the United States Virgin Islands.
Mr. Ragnauth remains on bail with the same conditions as before, and is scheduled to make another appearance on August 29, 2012.
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