A civil court judge has called for strict timelines to be set for hearing all criminal matters as she awarded a murder accused $95 000 for the 14-year delay in having his matter heard, and ruled that his case should be dismissed.Madam Justice Cicely Chase Q.C. ruled on Tuesday that Larry Patrick Agard’s right to a trial within a reasonable time had been infringed and, as such, awarded him $85 000 in damages as compensation along with $10 000 for vindicatory breach.Her decision was based on the fact that while Agard was charged for the June 8, 2006 murder of Marville John and was committed to stand trial in 2011, when the constitutional claim was filed on his behalf in 2020, he was still awaiting his day in the High Court.“State agents must actively engage in case management and must also ensure that there is a speedy disposal of criminal matters, from charge to trial and even to appeal of sentence,” Justice Chase ruled.She added that timelines should be implemented – for example, in six-month stages – and strictly followed by all parties involved in the administration of justice.
