Police Constable Clinton Noel yesterday was granted $750,000 bail on seven charges arising out of allegations that he accepted more than $5,000 in bribes to drop cocaine charges against a man.
The 42-year-old officer, who has at least 15 years service, was not handcuffed at any time during his appearance in the Siparia Magistrates Court.
Noel, who was last attached to the Siparia Police Station, also was not placed in the prisoners’ holding bay but instead allowed to sit on a chair reserved for police officers and female prisoners.
Dressed in a blue suit, Noel stood quietly as each of the seven charges were read to him by First Court Magistrate Margaret Alert. He was not called upon to plead to any of them.
The seven charges, laid by Insp Anderson Parriman, allegedly took place between March 23 and April 25 at Quinam Road, Siparia, and SS Erin Road, Siparia.
Each charge alleged that he corruptly solicited money from Daren Reason as a reward for forbearing his prosecution for an offence of possession of cocaine. The total sum was $5,350.
In asking for bail, his attorney, Everard Davidson, said he was a police officer, a father of two children and had no previous matters in court. Prosecutor Sgt Baptiste did not object to bail.
The maximum penalty for the offence is a $500,000 fine or ten years imprisonment.
The magistrate granted him bail with clerk of the peace approval and adjourned the matter to May 26 for disclosure.
Noel used his jacket to cover his head as he entered and left the courthouse. He was then placed in an unmarked police vehicle and taken away.
The T&T Guardian learned, however, he was released from custody at about 4 pm yesterday after relatives secured his bail.