By Denise Clarke, Staff Reporter
Walker
WESTERN BUREAU:
AFTER LANGUISHING in the Fort Augusta Prison for 12 years without trial, Carol Walker just missed being placed back behind bars, due to her boisterous behaviour in the Black River Courthouse yesterday.
Resident Magistrate Marlene Malahoo released her on bail into the custody of the local infirmary until her next appearance in court in February, during which time her health will be evaluated.
Ms. Walker had been arrested in Balaclava, St. Elizabeth, in November 1991 and charged with malicious destruction of property, an offence which, if found guilty, she could have served a maximum of three years.
Seemingly agitated by the trappings of a justice system responsible for her ordeal, Ms. Walker, a schizophrenic, used her day in court to hurl expletives at RM Malahoo, the court staff and police officers.
Her behaviour almost led to her being returned to the prison - a request that she herself made during one of her outbursts.
REFUSED
When her name was called two and a half hours after she arrived at the courthouse, Ms. Walker, who was sitting on a bench at the back of the courtroom, refused to sit in the prisoner's dock and even refused to stand at the request of the RM. "It better oono mek me go back a Fort Augusta," she said, as two female officers tried to get her to stand.
Ms. Walker also ignored the coaxing of her attorney, Nancy Anderson.
Mrs. Anderson, an attorney with the Independent Jamaica Council for Human Rights (IJCHR), apologised to the court on her client's behalf, and explained to the judge that her client was agitated particularly due to the presence of the police officers.
"A lot of what you see today is agitation, because she obviously recognises that she is in a courtroom; and also the presence of the uniforms," Mrs. Anderson told the RM.
But Ms. Walker's outburst left a negative impression on the RM, who expressed concern about her violent manner.
"My concern is whether or not she will pose any threat to the wider society," said RM Malahoo.
IT BOTHERS ME
"I understand the familiarity with the court, but that familiarity has provoked a violent reaction. While it doesn't amount to being physical, it bothers me."
The Magistrate then inquired about the arrangements made for Ms. Walker to receive medical treatment, and whether anyone would be willing to stand surety for her if she was released on bail.
The matter was stood down for 30 minutes, while attorney Althea McBean-Wisdom, who was assisting with the case, went to make inquiries at the St. Elizabeth Parish Council office.
When the case resumed, the RM released Ms. Walker into the custody of the parish infirmary, on condition that she undergo psychiatric evaluation before returning to court on February 26.
Ms. Walker's relatives have not yet been located.
