Bridgetown.
A veteran lawyer has a apologized to a High Court Judge after a incident last week that left the legal fraternity in an uproar.
Last Monday, Queen’s Counsel Alair Shepherd lifted his robes and uttered a profanity at High Court Judge Dr Sonia Richards in the corridor of her chambers.
The incident was witnessed by several attorneys, court staff and court marshals. According to reports, the incident left Justice Richards in a depressed state and was reported to Chief Justice Sir Marston Gibson.
Shepherd outbrust took place during a case involving 13 police officers who are challenging last year's promotions by the Police Services Commission, shortly before the hearing was about to start, attorneys involved in the matter were informed by the clerk of the court that the sitting judge was replaced by another judge.
The lawyers were told that Justice Richards was scheduled to hear the matter at 10.30 am, she arrived one hour later, as soon as she entered the court, Shepherd shouted: "Its about time", and started to speak very loudly about her attendance.
Justice Richards excused herself from the court and her clerk informed the lawyers that she wanted to see them in the corridor outside her office.
The judge told the lawyers she had no previous knowledge of her assigment to the case and was recusing herself. It was at that stage Shepherd approached Richards shouting a profanity and told her:
"You have spent the whole morning … me so I am going to make it easy for you". He then turned around lifted his robes and bent over.
Yesterday, Shepherd confirmed to the media that he had apologized to Justice Richards, but said the incident was a result of his frustration over the administration of justice.
Shepherd said his behaviour before the judge should not detract from the real issue, which was the continuing delay of an extremely important case touching on the ability of the Royal Barbados Police Force (RBPF) to discharge its duties.
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