Court Calls DPP’s Failure “Inexcusable” After Appearing In Court A Third Time Without A File & Without Disclosures

By Alric Lindsay

Jonathan Mark Ramoon appeared before the Summary Court today, July 21, 2026, only to be faced with another court delay caused by non-disclosure by Crown Counsel from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.  Unhappy with the situation, the Chief Magistrate said that the DPP’s repeated failure was “inexcusable.”

Arguing on Ramoon’s behalf, defence counsel John Furniss said that it was his understanding that DPP Crown Counsel had “no file” and at this stage an adjournment would need to be sought.

Surprised at the defence counsel’s statement, the Chief Magistrate remarked:

How do you mean the Crown has no file?

This matter has been before the court from the ninth of June. The Crown had no file then. The Crown had no file the second time.

This is the third occasion that they’re coming to court.

The Chief Magistrate added: “This is getting from bad to worse, if it was possible to get worse.”

Responding to the Chief Magistrate, DPP Crown Counsel explained that “endeavours were made to locate the file for today’s hearing,” but she was not sure what transpired. She added that, unfortunately, disclosure was not made to defence counsel.

The Chief Magistrate responded by saying the court was told the same thing on the last occasion, but was not going to dismiss the case so quickly. Instead, she invited defence counsel to make an application for costs.

In the circumstances, defence counsel asked for costs to be awarded and DPP Crown Counsel was ordered to pay defence counsel $250 within 30 days.

The Chief Magistrate concluded by ordering papers to be served by DPP Crown Counsel on the defence counsel by Friday, July 24, 2026.

The matter will be next heard on August 11,2026.