Police Sergeant charged for obstructing course of justice
Updated: May 27, 2022
A Police Sergeant has been charged with obstructing the course of justice and has been released on self-bail.
Shawn Gonsalves, a father of three and a resident of Lot 577 Tuschen Housing Scheme, East Bank Essequibo (EBE), was hauled before Magistrate Sunil Scarce in the Diamond/ Golden Grove Magistrate’s Court.
The charge stated that between July 23, 2021, and November 27, 2021, at Diamond, East Bank Demerara (EBD), he conspired with persons unknown to obstruct the course of justice, to cause the disappearance, or to falsely execute two-sentence warrants in favour of Vishall Munilall.
In December 2021, Vishal Munilall, Kulwantie Munilall, and Deodharry Oodit were charged with a corrupt transaction with an agent and other offences.
They then informed the police about Sergeant Gonsalves “ducking” the sentence warrants, which Magistrate Annette Singh issued at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.
An investigation was launched, and a video interview was conducted with Sergeant Gonsalves. During the interview, the Sergeant did not deny the allegation. However, while being escorted to the Tactical Service Unit (TSU), he admitted to an inspector about his involvement.
A file was prepared based on the investigation carried out and sent to the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) for advice.
The DPP later sent back the file recommending that Gonsalves be charged. Bernard DaSilva is representing him. The accused is expected to make another court appearance on May 5.
Attorney DaSilva has stated that he has written to the DPP to review the charge against his client with the hope of having it withdrawn.
