People’s National Movement (PNM) councillor Sherrie Ali yesterday pleaded not guilty to three traffic offences arising out of an incident last year. Ali, of Palmiste, appeared before San Fernando Traffic Court Magistrate Natalie Diop, who fixed the matters for trial in January.
Ali, who serves in the San Fernando City Corporation as councillor for Les Effort East/Cipero and also served as a temporary Opposition Senator in 2012, was issued with a summons to appear in court to answer the charges.
PC Mathura charged Ali for all the offences which allegedly took place on November 18, 2015. It is alleged that on Harris Promenade, San Fernando, she failed to produce a certificate of insurance when so required by a police officer while driving a vehicle.
The second charge alleged that at Narinesingh Court, Palmiste, Ali drove without due care and attention. The third charge alleged that at the same place she drove without there being a policy of insurance in relation to the vehicle.
Ali’s attorney, Chris Ramlal, asked for disclosure and was presented with station diary extracts and a summary of evidence. Prosecutor Kassiram Lutchman said those items represented complete disclosure and indicated that the prosecution was ready to proceed.
Lutchman said the prosecution would be leading evidence from three witnesses, including the charging officer. Ramlal said the defence had no witnesses at this time but they were also ready to proceed.
The matters were adjourned to January 13, 2017 for all the matters to be heard together.