The Government’s lead witness in the failed trial of Shane Gibson, Johnathon Ash, filed a suit in the Supreme Court against the Attorney General alleging illegal confiscation of alcohol by the Department of Customs. Ash, who was a no-show in court, wants damages and his liquor returned. It was seized from his liquor store and another business.
The 35-year-old, who is presently under police protection, was charged and fined with operating a liquor store without a valid liquor license, business license and breaking curfew as set by the Competent Authority’s Emergency Order as a result of the COVID 19 pandemic.
Ash plead guilty to all charges and was fined $7K, although he stated to police that the business and items were not owned by him and he was merely securing them for a friend. However, he was captured on camera receiving money for the sale of alcoholic beverages.
The case of Johnathon Ash vs The Attorney General was scheduled to be heard by Justice Ruth Bowe-Darville at 10:00am today.
Customs has agreed to secure the seized items for the duration of legal proceedings.
The Supreme Court, which offers a public gallery, had a total of 7 individuals who were asked by Officers to practice social distancing. Each individual complied. However, they were eventually asked to leave because it was a chamber matter.
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