Last week we told you that the DPP had discontinued cyberbullying charges against Alberto August. And the complainant, Oscar Mira, also confirmed that he had withdrawn charges. But, still, August and his attorney Michael Peyrefitte were obligated to appear in San Ignacio Magistrate's Court this morning to make it official. 7News spoke to them outside the courthouse:
Mike Peyrefitte, Attorney for Alberto August
"The matter was brought up from Wednesday to today because the prosecution indicated that they wanted to take certain actions concerning Mr. Alberto August. We assumed that it would be following the directive of the DPP in this matter based on her advice, so we came and the court indicated that it did receive a directive from the DPP, as well as the prosecution indicated that they did receive a directive from the DPP, directing that the case against Mr. August be discontinued and the prosecution offered no evidence."
Jaleeza Roberts:
"What happens next? Do you guys plan to sue the government for what they did to your client?"
Mike Peyrefitte:
"Well, that is up to Mr. August. He will have to reflect on that and then decide who he wants to instruct to take whatever action he decides on. So we will see where we go from here, but the main thing is the criminal charges are past us. I don't think that they should have been brought in the very first place, and so we just have to see where we go from here."
Alberto August, Former UDP Deputy Chairman
"It is always, of course, a good feeling to not have these kinds of things on your shoulder, so it is a good feeling today."
Jaleeza Roberts:
"Do you have a concern about safety?"
Alberto August:
"Yes, of course, we will always be concerned about our safety. I think there might be little heightened steps I will need to take, but we will take care of it."
Jaleeza Roberts:
"Has everything been returned to you?"
Alberto August:
"Yes, I got back my two phones. It was only two phones that were taken away, and they were returned to me a few days ago."
Jaleeza Roberts:
"Do you plan to sue the government or the police department or Mr. Mira?"
Alberto August:
"Well, that will depend on the advice I get from counsel. We will be discussing that matter sometime during the course of today and decide the way forward."
