It was big news in December when high profile businessman Jose Shoman claimed that he foiled a plot by his former workers to rob and kill his family. Six men, most of them former employees, were arrested and remanded to the Hattieville Prison on firearm and conspiracy to commit murder charges. They’ve been in jail since December 15th and today they appeared before a Magistrate. They all applied for bail and it was denied. But that’s not the news tonight. The news is that today at least two of the accused – with the help of an interpreter – told Magistrate Ed Usher that an armed Jose Shoman went to the Hattieville Prison and threatened them. If you don’t believe us, attorney Richard Dickie Bradley – who it seemed ran to their aid -was in the courtroom and heard it.
Richard “Dickie” Bradley, Attorney
“He had been informed by the persons that they had been threatened and the Magistrate asked them what was the actual situation and he informed the Magistrate that the complainant in the matter had gone to the prison, and if I am not mistaken Arthur he said gone to their cell as well. Had gone to their cell and had made threats against them and they actually claimed they had seen what appeared to be a firearm on the person. That is a very serious matter and the Magistrate took it very seriously and made certain orders from the bench so the matter can be brought to the authorities. But he quite rightly, and I want to emphasize this, he quite rightly said that this was just an allegation being made against that person although it is more than person in court claiming it, it is an allegation and in fairness it should be seen and treated that way.”
Keith Swift,
So the plea was rejected?
Richard “Dickie” Bradley,
“The plea was rejected.”
Keith Swift,
From your personal knowledge, are you aware that this might have happened?
Richard “Dickie” Bradley,
“Mr. Shoman is my good friend but I think the Magistrate did the best thing, he said it was an allegation and in fairness to what was being said. There is no proof that they even know Mr. Shoman.”
And while Bradley stressed they are just allegations –they are serious allegations.
