Former Premier McKeeva Bush made his initial Grand Court appearance on charges of rape and indecent assault Friday, only to have the matter delayed as he sorts out finances for his defence.
Bush, 68, the MP for West Bay West, entered the court dock with the aid of a cane while wearing a facial mask covering his nose and mouth.
“I’m afraid that not much progress can be made today judge, as there is still quite a bit of work that needs to be done,” explained Bush’s attorney Dennis Brady.
The charges, which were filed last month, are in relation to allegations which date back to 2000.
During a brief court hearing, Brady suggested the timing of these new charges, with Bush already facing a separate and unrelated assault charge, was unfair to his client.
“Even a blind man could see that this was deliberate,” he said.
“Stevie Wonder or even Ray Charles could see what’s going on,” he added.
According to Brady, the new charges have brought significant additional financial hardships to Bush, who is due to stand trial on the separate assault charge later this year.
With that case looming, Brady said his client’s costs were mounting.
“The Crown has indicated that in that matter, a foreign judge and prosecutor will be brought in to try that case,” said Brady.
“Mr. Bush will not be outdone, and therefore we too will be seeking leading counsel for that matter. However, this new matter now puts additional strain on Bush’s ability to finance his defence.”
The matter was adjourned to next week Friday, with Brady telling the court that a clearer position would be made on the way forward.
“There is the matter of disclosure that needs to be addressed between myself and the Crown,” said Brady. “We are asking for a week to determine how or whether he will be able to pay for his own defence.”
Bush’s bail was extended by the court until 14 July.
Related Videos
