By Racquel Porter
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions is finalising arrangements with the Ministry of Justice to obtain external counsel to prosecute the case of Antigua and Barbuda's Director of Public Prosecutions, Anthony Armstrong, who is facing fraud-related charges in relation to three properties in Jamaica.
When the matter was mentioned Wednesday morning, the court was told that the decision is to ensure transparency in the case.
Mr. Armstrong, who is Jamaican and had served in Jamaica's Office of the DPP, had his bail extended. He is to return to the Supreme Court on June 16 for a case management hearing.
His co-accused, Shelly-Ann Peart Campbell, also had her bail extended.
Prior to adjournment, Mr. Armstrong's attorney, Hugh Wildman, raised the concern that the process to obtain external counsel will delay the case.
The defence is to communicate in writing to the DPP on or before March 31, to determine if the prosecution will proceed on the voluntary bill, dated January 26, 2023, or whether a new indictment will be preferred in the Supreme Court and served on the defence.
The DPP is to respond to the defence in writing on or before April 28.
The prosecution is to prepare and send a committal bundle to the court's registrar on or before March 31.
