The “indecent photo publication” case against Nation Newspaper employees was today adjourned until August 17 by a newly appointed Magistrate who has taken over the case.
The adjournment came after the accused and their attorneys-at-law appeared before Magistrate Kristie Cuffy-Sargeant in the District ‘A’ Magistrates’ Court No. 2.
Vivian-Anne Lenora Gittens, 63, a publisher of #11 Kent, Christ Church, Roy Ricardo Morris, 53, of #118 Warrens Park South, St Michael and journalist Sanka Louis Price, from the corner of Derriston & Grazettes Main Road, St Michael have all pleaded not guilty.
Nation Publishing Co. Ltd. CEO and publisher Vivian-Anne Gittens (left) Editor-in-Chief Roy Morris (centre) and Editor Sanka Price (right) at a previous court appearance.
The charge against them relates to the publication of an indecent photograph of two teens in 2013, while being employees of the Nation Publishing Company Limited.
Last week, their attorneys Alair Shepherd QC and Ezra Alleyne queried whether the trial would have to restart since former acting Magistrate Alliston Seale, who was hearing the case, was leaving the bench.
The lawyers said they would write to the Judicial and Legal Services Commission, requesting that Seale be allowed to continue hearing the matter which started before him, rather than have it start over before a new Magistrate.
Shepherd also said that defence counsel was “entitled to written copies of the evidence taken so far” and requested transcripts on that occasion.
There was no mention today of whether the letter had been sent off or if Seale would be given permission to continue hearing the matter.