Yet another road bump hit the trial of Violet ‘Letty’ Hodge and Lucien Smith yesterday, September 25, 2013 when they appeared before the Magistrate’s Court as it was revealed that relevant documents were yet to be handed over to the defence. Photo: VINO/File

Hodge and Smith, both charged as part of an alleged conspiracy, are now being represented by attorney, Patrick Thompson of McW Todman and Co after Hodge’s previous attorney had departed the Territory.

The duo is accused of conspiracy to import drugs; acquisition, possession or use of proceeds of criminal conduct; keeping a prohibited firearm; and unlawful possession of explosives. Smith is charged separately with possession of cocaine with intent to supply the illicit drug.

Thompson revealed in court yesterday that disclosure of his client’s documents were yet to be received from the Crown, therefore he could not proceed with the defence.

The Crown was previously represented by Senior Crown Counsel Valston Graham, but yesterday, Principal Crown Counsel Tiffany Scatliffe offered to submit the requested files to the defence so the trial could move forward.

A joint operation between the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force and U.S. law enforcement authorities on September 29, 2010 led to the alleged seizure of eight bales of cocaine totalling over 260 kilos on the south side of Norman Island.

It is alleged that two of the boats used to pick up the cocaine were registered to Smith. The Romney Park resident was then slapped with charges for conspiracy to import cocaine, importation of cocaine and unlawful possession of cocaine with intent to supply.

Hodge was previously charged jointly with her husband Earl ‘Bob’ Hodge but local charges against Mr. Hodge were dropped by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and he is now facing extradition requests from the US.

The matter yesterday was adjourned to November 6, 2013.