Local

Another ‘unfit to plead’ accused remanded to Bordelais!

On October 17, 2016 Kieran Johnny, 31, was pronounced the island’s 23rd homicide. Three days later, Ned Modeste was charged with Johnny’s murder. Following a sufficiency hearing, the accused was indicted on October 25, 2017. On Thursday this week, his attorney, Mr. Huggins Nicholas, told the STAR his client had exhibited signs of mental disability and was incoherent and schizophrenic. Huggins had formed the impression the accused may be incapable of fully appreciating the court process.  

Justice Lorraine Williams has ordered that Ned Modeste be re-evaluated every six months while on remand at Bordelais Correctional Facility (pictured).

The attorney said that in cases such as Modeste’s, the court usually arranged a fitness hearing—which is an inquiry into the mental status of a defendant. In the matter at hand the services of psychiatrist Julius Gaillard had been retained. The doctor had submitted to the court his conclusion that Modeste was unfit to plead. On Thursday Dr. Gaillard testified before Justice Lorraine Williams. It was left to a jury to arrive at a determination as to whether the defendant was fit to stand trial. Finally they agreed with the doctor’s conclusion. 

Modeste was remanded to the “psychiatric unit at the Bordelais Correctional Facility.” Justice Lorraine Williams ordered that he be re-evaluated every six months. The judge is required by law to submit a report to the Chief Justice, whose job it is to determine where Modeste is to be housed. A report detailing Modeste’s mental status is expected by the end of September. The parties are scheduled to return to court on October 15.  

Related Post

In light of the recent ruling by Justice Godfrey Smith SC—that the state pay over $8,000,000 in damages to two men who had been declared unfit to plead yet were incarcerated for some years at Bordelais Correctional Facility—I asked Nicholas if he had any concerns about his client’s future. He said he was confident Modeste will be protected by the ruling handed down by Justice Williams. “I hope he won’t be forgotten. If we remain diligent he will not fall through the usual cracks in the system and be forgotten. I think the state will be more vigilant after being slapped with that judgment.” 

At press time we were informed by Security Minister Hermangild Francis that there is no psychiatric unit at Bordelais. Individuals determined to be mentally unfit to stand trial are periodically evaluated at the correctional facility by personnel from the Wellness Centre.    

Joshua St. Aimee

Recent Posts

Would Be Robber Shot Dead in Corinth

The male was later identified as thirty -three (33) year old Ted Smith of Mon Repos, Micoud was transported to… Read More

3 days ago

Machine Guns No Match For A Match!

In recent dispatch to a writer friend from our days of California dreaming (several years ago he too had… Read More

3 days ago

Vincent Edmunds St. Omer Obituary

Dr. Vincent Victor Edmonds St. Omer, 89, of Columbia, passed away on Tuesday, July 25, 2023. He was born on… Read More

1 week ago

At long last, shepherd not afraid to take risks in the interest of his flock!

The in-depth comment coming from Archbishop Gabriel Malzaire is most commendable.  It's good to have in the seat of local religious… Read More

1 week ago

Wall of China Can’t Touch Helen’s Bam-Bam” Wall!

"The Bum Bum Wall is disgrace and these women should be ashamed of themselves, no pride, no respect for… Read More

2 weeks ago

18 Year Old Arrested for Murder

The male was later identified as Scott Chester Louison twenty (20) years old of Morne Du Don, Castries Read More

2 weeks ago

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. No personally identifiable information is stored.