“Unbelievable, but not too surprising.”
That is how the Attorney representing the interest of former magistrate GON Emanuel, Noelise Knight-Didier, reacted to the dismissal of charges against Earl “Seko” Grant.
Grant was facing conspiracy to commit arson charges in relation to the alleged firebombing of Emanuel’s house in 2010.
He was implicated in a confession by Denny Shillingford who alleged that he set the fire on Grant’s orders.
But in a dramatic turn of events earlier this week, Shillingford withdrew his statement, saying it was all made up.
As a result the case was dismissed.
“It’s disappointing but not too surprising in the sense that the main person behind the matter has changed his story at the very end,” Knight-Dider said. “It’s almost unbelievable that one could come up with such an intricate story, with such details, and then at the very last minute, say that you made it all up.”
She also admitted that they were aware that the matter was built on “shaky and tenuous ground,” and anything could have happened at any point, “given the history of it and given what we all know is behind it.”
Senior Council, Tony Astaphan, who also spoke on the matter said Shillingford’s revelation raised many questions.
“So now we find that Denny Shillingford has admitted finally that he has lied, this raises a million and one questions,” he told privately-owned Kairi FM. “Why did he lie? Why is it that the police and Mr. Julien Prevost (former acting Director of Public Prosecution) did not assess the evidence and realize its complete lack of credibility? And if there is no arson, then how did the fire start?”
Astaphan is also querying a burnt vehicle, which was reportedly an exhibit in the matter, was disposed of within two weeks of the fire.
“I think this is a serious matter and I think this is a matter that needs to be thoroughly investigated by the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) and the Police, if not the government, to find out what really happened,” Astaphan opined.
confess to a crime you was paid to do as a parro. Get shot for confessing in order to keep u quiet. Go back to court and it was all a dream or in your world a make up story. Parro the same people that is holding a hand in this will soon turn on you trust me. The truth is better than being controlled by man. But then again they probably just give you another parro $50 to keep you quiet. Attorney astaphans and the old speaker is Dominica’s biggest problem.
Dominicans be careful what you asked for. Blatant injustice done to two Dominican elders. All along many patriots predicted rightly. The stalling of investigations by police. The ridiculous statements uttered by the former Police Chief Carrette. Remember the excuses and false condemnations by the Cabal. They claimed publicly that it was Mano who firebombed his own home.
The firebombing was done, that they cannot deny.
Then they said Mano not cooperating with Police.
Remember, Denny was shot by …………… Investigations into that attempted murder of Denny, the main guy in that horrible firebombing, stalled too? No culprit arrested or charged? None will be. Up to now police gas not solved that one either.
After 4 Years of psychological persecution, Mano and his wife are far from seeing any justice regarding the attempted murder on their lives. What a tragedy !!!! What injustice. What’s freightening is that those things are done…
This is very interesting why was the burnt vehicle disposed, was’nt it part of the evidence.
denny ,watch out,because ,
The same people who paid you to re track and lie ,will soon do away with you .to make sure this is the last statement you give,so that they will survive,I sense that ,this is a trap ,Denny ,,this is a set up,
you should have never done that,you should have stood your grounds ,remember, The truth shall set you free
Dominica where are you heading?
How does a poor man like Denny Shillingford afford to pay a team of lawyers consisting of 2 QC including one form Trinidad? God is watching Dominicans and he will deliver justice to Mr. and Mrs Emmanuel in good time. He is not asleep. Let all involved enjoy this sweet victory while it lasts.
What a mess.. As I said before Emanuel’s house must have suffered from SPONTANEOUS COMBUSTION..if anyone wants to believe thAT.. AND DENNY SHILLINGFORD JUST CAME ALONG BY HAPPENSTANCE TO THE EMANUEL SITE WHEN THAT OCCURRED AND TOOK RESPONSIBILITY FOR THAT MIRACULOUS AND SINCE HE WAS IN A TRANCE WHEN HE WOKE UP HE WAS THEN IN A POSITION TO SAY IT WAS ALL A DREAM .. IN THE MENATIME THE POLICE WERE ALSO SLEEPING OR WERE IN A HYPNOTIC STATE INDUCED BY TONY ASTAPHAN AND HEATHER FELIX..AND THE MAGISTRATE?? WELL WHO KNOWS
What happened. It is very interesting to read how the Attorney responded. She is a professional who appreciates the technicalities of proving a crime in our jurisdiction. She spoke like a real Attorney. Disappointed yes! Surprised No! According to the story the Attorney knew they were venturing out on shaky grounds. Now compare her response (and she has everything to gain with the case staying live. Compare her response to that of the Chief Justice from Morne Daniel. Nonsense! Skerrit and his cabal are again involved in a massive cover-up. Where justice for the Emmanuels will not be served. After all it is easy to find out who visited Denny at the Prison and when and also what was the nature of the conversation between the inmate Denny and his visitor. As the conversation between inmates and visitors are always witnessed. Commissioner Carrette did say along that the evidence could not be relied on. He was taken to the “blue” cleaners as is the case these days. Laugh Commissioner!!
Tony cannot be serious when he said that the matter should be investigated by the DPP, Police and Government. Dominicans have heard of many allegations surrounding this case. Isn’t Tony himself concerned that certain questions might be asked of him as to why was he among the first persons to be in the area of the fire, even before the Fire Fighters. Isn’t he concerned, that questions will be asked as to what was his Government’s interest in the case, as Skeritt , Savarin and Ian commented on the case. Isn’t he concerned, the investigators would want to know whether the approximate forty charges brought against a lawyer who once represented Skeritt in court and worked with Mr. Emanuel, subsequently fired, had any connection with Mr. Emanuel residence being fire bombed. It is alleged, the say lawyer drove a conspirator to Melville Hall Airport a few days after the fire. If Tony wants an investigation, why not let him have…
Astaphan is questioning whether there was arson. Deliberately so. The Court did not rule on that, Mr. Astaphan.
our nation is a god fearing spiritual one
What matters the most in this case is that in the sight of God the Almighty, the truth stands strong to convict those allegedly involved. Public opinion is steadfast on who did it, the probable cause for doing it, and why it was destined to end up so abruptly with so many, many questions unanswered.
On the other hand, certainly it demonstrated an in-your-face blatant manipulation of the judicial system to protect and defend injustice to the end. It also indicates that the country is willing to accept the unthinkable, even when it scars the nation and makes us look bad in the eyes of our friends. The people accept the abuse of power by the corrupted, and enable the country to spiral down the lawless pit.
dominica is a lawless place why live there only in Dominica the goverment control the court system / judges . that is why the public will not cooperate with the police etccccccccccc.