Cops hide accused colleagues in Vicky Boodram court appearance

In an attempt to shield two colleagues charged with helping alleged fraudster Vicky Boodram escape custody last month, a police officer at the Arima Magistrates’ First Court yesterday forcibly removed two reporters from the courtroom.

Newsday’s reporter, along with another reporter, was told to wait outside while the matter was being heard and were then pushed out of the room, without answers to their questions on why the gallery was being cleared.

The gallery is usually only cleared in situations involving minors and cases of sexual assault.

However Newsday spoke to Boodram’s attorney Richard Isaac who said one document was disclosed as summary evidence and said Senior Magistrate Gillian David-Scotland adjourned the matter to January 10. Asked about Boodram’s reported suicide attempt in custody earlier this month, Isaac said she was in good health and the injuries to one of her wrists were from an accident.

Boodram appeared alongside PCs Lisa Navarro and LeVon Sylvester, who are both charged with misbehaviour in public office, as confirmed by Navarro’s attorney Tahirah Davis.