Attorney David Bruney apparently lost his temper in the Roseau Magistrate Court on Monday when an application to travel for employment purposes for a former captain of the National Football Team was first objected to by the prosecution and then denied by magistrate Bernard Pacquette.
Kenrick “Solkar” Emanuel was shot by the police in 2010 and later arrested on alleged drug possession and as part of his bail conditions, he was required to surrender all travel documents.
In court, Bruney applied to have the bail conditions varied, noting that Emanuel was offered an attractive job position in Anguilla beginning on January 6, 2014.
The lawyer also presented a signed letter to the court sent to Emmanuel via email about the job.
Emanuel was questioned and under oath, he informed the court that he would be working with the company and would be able to care for his wife and two children; one of whom, is an adult and the other, a 13-year-old.
He said he is unable to care for them since he is presently unemployed.
Bruney stated that if his client’s application was granted, Emanuel will make himself available for court ‘way in advance’ when the matter is called.
But the submission did not go down well with the prosecution headed by Inspector Michael Laudat, who objected, saying that the letter must be validated and must be accompanied by a work permit before an informed decision could be made on the matter.
“We have no problems in assisting and getting his bail conditions varied, however we have to be sure that the letter is authentic and since we cannot yet verify that we are opposed to that application,” Laudat told the court
He also argued that Emanuel’s bail conditions indicated that he must surrender all travel documents.
But in a very emotional plea, Bruney described Laudat’s objection as “absurd, petty, inhumane and ridiculous.”
“We need to be our brother’s keeper, I am ashamed at Mr. Laudat, I am very… and I take that personal, this man is seeking to get employment to feed his family and is being denied and while people will be having ham for Christmas with their family, he won’t because he has no money,” Bruney said.
Burney’s outburst prompted Laudat to call on the court for protection.
Commenting on the matter, magistrate Pacquette told Bruney that the prosecution had their work to do and while he understands his concerns and the plight of his client, the court must be satisfied that all is in order before granting that bail variation and since that was not so, he will deny that request.
The magistrate then told Bruney that he had never seen him lose his temper, to which the lawyer replied, “it’s a season of goodwill … sometimes things have to be personal”.
He promised to get the necessary documents and return at a later date.
Emanuel is an artistic painter and soccer coach and lives on Bath Road.
He represented Dominica for 15 years on the national team and was captain for six years.
He won several awards during his football career.
Is a hypocrite vibes that going on there.
DNO why did you all pull my comment down asking where someone got their degree is scandalous after spending so many years in another country. I wish you well Dam Nonsense Organization.
This man was in anguilla already working, and came home when the economy turn a down turn, like many of us we return home, dominica offered us nothing, regardless to the pm shouting ‘come home dominicans’ some of use just here doing odd jobs, some fortunate ones went to study, but some could not find nothing to do. so i guess he did what he had too,
David Bruney is the best lawyer in Dominica, i agree with him de man is a national football star, dem fellas just want to press the superstar.
Anyone can send an email. The Magistrate is right.
I have to ask though, WHY IS A MATTER SINCE 2010 HAS NOT GONE TO COURT? WHAT IS THE HOLD UP?
Mr. Bruney is an intelligent and humane lawyer. He always has his clients’ interest at heart. However, I am shocked that he is not aware of the fact that an e-mail is not a legal document. Of course, the magistrate was right in withholding the green light until more proof is given. Mr. B. get the rest of your information before the next sitting. Please, keep your cool; you are a good lawyer. I have great respect for you. Merry XMAS.
My God Why on gods earth a court case for drugs that destroy our inocent children and others take so long to be heard? is it because of the players invovled? God help us.
discrimination!!Asa Banton is Right” kno somebody that know Somebody” recently, an individual on a murder charge was allowed to travel to Trinidad to “continue his studies” yet another charged on alleged drugs posession is denied the same. This is Discrimination!!!!!
If his bail conditions stipulates that he must surrender all travel documents, are they going to remove these conditions prior to allowing him to travel?
Secondly, why should someone who is on bail should be allowed to leave the country. All he has to do is send a ticket for his wife and he don’t have to come back to face his drug possession charges. Is our criminal justice system being ridiculed by these criminals.
If you do the crime why run from doing the time? Bruney should be replaced as council.
He should not be allowed to travel until his court matters are resolved. Also, Bruney is acting like a fool and his license should be suspended. They want to turn Dominica into a lawless place. Put the alleged offender in jail if found guilty. He should have know of his responsibility to feed his family.
“Have known.” Pardon me.
Boss! de place dun lawless. Ah nor Bruney wey pwyle ayou coountry.
That`s the second LAWYER loosing his cool in Pacquette court proceedings EH, EH,??????????????? Help, HELP!
Where is the example?? There are different ways to resolved matters, but as passionate as the Lawyer appears to be he must learn to control is temper especially as an officer of the courts, such example is un acceptable in a court settings. The magistrate should send him to cool his temper with a contempt of court violation. What we expect our young ones to resort too when they do not have their way?? What a crying shame Dominica has become a country of, MY WAY OR The High WAY! Every thing is upside Down, every thing is inside out.
Are you suggesting that the lawyer should not have provided the best possible representation for his client. Well let me see you go to a doctor and not get the best available treatment and see if you would not flip.
Lawyers are human beings, and no matter how tough the may represent their personalities, they do become emotional like any other person.
I respect the lawyer for balking at the Colonial legal system that has dominated our culture for too long. I am happy that David Bruney has began the process of Dominican-izing the darn system.
Yow Solka. Bro I hope you get your chance. Everytime I’m in DA I come by Kens and get ma Juice. You’re a good dude. Tell ken Paskie say everything will work out. Hold the faith. Must come through!!
This justice system is not what its suppose to be.The young man needs to be given a chance to change his life and make things better for himself , his family and the community by extension. He has not been found guilty for whatever he is on bail for and he may well get away from it.
Why this court matter is taking so long to decide? that should be dealt a long time ago
No probs, just validate the dawn Job letter ! Bruney you can do better than that !
Simple
Mr. Bruney I understand your frustration with a system which works far too slow or in some cases never work in the interest of justice. However, as Mr. Cadette indicated the magistrate is not saying no to the request. He is only following due diligence. So, though Mr. Emanuel’s need to find employment and support his family is of utmost importance so to is the verification requested by the prosecution. Mr. Bruney I know you are a respectable, honest, hard working attorney with your client’s best interest at heart so I would just ask that you keep your cool and provide the court with its request and lets see how this plays out.
Seasons Greetings.
All of this foolishness over a drug possession charge? This is in no one’s interest. Drop the matter and let the man go feed his family.
Kilos
how is he going to get a work permit with that police record to work in a small place like Anguilla?
in anguilla is not like dominica small yes but is ‘i know people that know people’ and will not block your seen like how ‘WE’ dommi incan does do.maybe you have never lived in anguilla but i have,
Laudat called for protection: A joke- a big inspector cannot protect himslef—–
hey J…A.. it is not physical protection,its what they call contempt of court.
Is hypocrite rhey hypocrite…
Cadette since u leave Dominica u on DNO everyday commenting, when u was working in DA u never used to comment on DNO. Come Back Home to make your contribution.
Thanks for constantly reading my Comments. Thanks also for mentioning contribution to the state – Where I am at the UN Specialized Agency for ICT (the International Telecommunications Union)I can better serve Dominica’s Telecoms Sector
I AM DOMINICA, ARE YOU.
Love & Season’s Greetings!
There is nothing excessive about the requests for validation. Any time a lawyer gets emotional in court or resorts to personal attacks on the opposing side, it is because he knows that his case is weak. Very poor practice of law on Mr. Burney’s part.
Bruney lucky is not follow that is magistrate!! They would have sent you like Tony in d cell to reflect on your actions. lol
What a waste of online resource.
I do not know the circumstances leading to the charges against the young man but this matter caught my attention on a number of issues:
1) Prosecution must ensure the integrity of its case and the bail conditions. It’s a duty
2) The Court must always be convinced that bail terms be respected through authenticated documents
3) I AM SHOCKED THAT THIS MATTER HAS NOT BEEN ADDRESSED OR IS DRAGGING ON FOR ALMOST FOUR (4) YEARS.
4) The young Man and his family’s life should not be placed on hold indefinitely by either the tardiness or indecisiveness of the Courts to prosecute and bring this matter to a finality.
5) The attorney, though distraught and flabbergasted should simply make haste to get the accompanying work permit – losing your cool may not help – ALTHOUGH I UNDERSTAND HIS EMPATHY TO HIS CLIENT. I FEEL FOR HIM TOO.
6) whatever the circumstance, the Courts should hear this matter quickly – five (5) years should not run on this – think of his family. As mitigating circumstances “He represented Dominica for 15 years on the national team and was captain for six years. I He won several awards during his football career”
I WISH YOU SUCCESS TO THE ATTORNEY AND HIS CLIENT and prosperity to the Family.
Also understand the position of the Magistrate – He did not say he won’t grant – he just needs additional documentation.
Seasons greetings all
Correction: Courts don’t prosecute, that’s for the prosecution. The courts hear the matters brought before it
Mr Cadette this man’s sports history has no bearing on this matter.. Have you and others thought about the many lives he has helped to destroy? today he is seeking sympathy??? Anyone can send an email that is not enough to vary his bail conditions and you should know that sir. The attorney should have presented much more that an email before coming before the Courts with such a crucial request ok and due to the fact that he lapsed he is getting personal with the prosecution representing the interest of the state??? nonsense, nonsense! The Court cannot take a decision of that nature without irrefutable proof of employment ok. peace bro.
The court tries matters and in accordance with the facts or fictions presented, makes a determination of guilt or innocence.
As a lawyer representing the state or defense, you ought to be well equipped when making certain requests or submission. Walk to court with all necessary documents.
Do have it in mind, the fact that Mr. Bruney has every right to cry like a crocodile, for he is being well nourished by the defendant.
The court tries matters and in accordance with the facts or fictions presented, makes a determination of guilt or innocence.
As a lawyer representing the state or defense, you ought to be well equipped when making certain requests or submission. Walk to court with all necessary documents.
Do have it in mind, the fact that Mr. Bruney has every right to cry like a crocodile, for he is being well nourished by the defendant.
Hey, you into law these days man?
why did you say that,in which sentence you are correcting yourself,solkar is my boy,know what i mean,in street language,i would like nothing more than to see that hold issue go away for him,albeit the right process most be allowed to formulate,bruney blew up,it’s all good,what he needs to understand is,people are looking on,should the courts had gone the other direction,what the people would say is,as we know it,look here corruption,so as it turned out,is all good,just provide the requested documents,on your statement of the lingering judiciary,i do not think is fair to say that the courts has had his fammilly on hold,is like you are saying that,the courts where or blocking him on being employed,you understand what i trying to say,because i am sure for the five years he at least did some form of way or means to feed his fammilly,but it’s all good,one love,seasons greetings to all,and the comming new year,prosperity.
Dear “Blind Bat” as you call yourself in answer to your third sentence I am sorry you did not see my first two points and the very last point. read again.
On the aspect of mitigating circumstances, I do not believe it would hold much water as an arguement but where arguments may be weak (if that’s the case) then even a straw will help.
I am not condoning the man’s deeds but there must be expediency in matters of seeking justice, whether it be for the state or whether in favor of the defendant.
Enjoy the Season
amen
Cadette, You really believe him representing DOminica is a mitigating factor. I think the opposite: that should be an aggravating factor. He should have known better.
I support this comment,The Magistrate should have Mr. David Bruney suspended for six months from the courts,Good job Mr. Laudat.
This is very true. That case should have been dealt with a long time ago. The Lawyer should have known better, he was not prepared; however, after his outburst, the Magistrate might not even want him in the courtroom. Sometimes, lawyers hurt their clients more than the issue itself.
Ebeh when the potential employers see this article, and mark you they might because I am in Anguilla right now and I’m reading the article, he might lose that job opportunity…you have two children and you have police shooting you for the sake of drugs…stupes…Anguilla have enough crime they don’t need more!
Lol. I am also in AXA and I was thinking the very same thing. I wish him luck, because it is no fun having a family to support without the means to do so. However people like him are the same sort of elements which we are trying to keep out of AXA. Already many people are of the opinion that we Dominicane can’t behave ourselves in other peoples countries.