West Bay West MP McKeeva Bush has had his assault case pushed back for another week to allow for a final round of discussions with his attorney.
The veteran politician, and former Speaker of the House, faces two counts of indecent assault and two counts of common assault which stem from an incident on 13 Sept. 2022 during a government function.
Initially, Bush was slated to appear in Summary Court before Chief Magistrate Valdis Foldats; however, due to an unexplained illness, which required Bush to use a walker, the matter was transferred to Magistrate Philippa McFarlane.
“The pleas can be put to him; however, we are having an issue with the matter of electability for the either-way charges,” said Dennis Brady, who represents Bush.
The charge of indecent assault is a Category B offence, an electable charge which means it is a matter that can be dealt with in either the Grand Court, where Bush would have the right to a jury trial if he enters a not guilty plea; or in the Summary Court, with a judge-alone trial.
In cases of Category B offences, the prosecution also has the option to choose which court for the case to be heard. However, during today’s proceedings the decision was left to Bush and his attorney.
A defendant must first choose a court before they can enter a plea.
“Although you say your client is in a position to enter pleas that simply cannot be done until the issue of electability has been addressed,” said McFarlane, who asked Brady if the matter could be resolved if given an extra 30 minutes.
“Unfortunately, we will not be able to arrive at a decision today, and we would need some more time to settle the matter,” Brady responded.
McFarlane granted Bush a final adjournment for seven days, released him on bail and set the matter down for Tuesday, 28 March.
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