First, this case is open to the public, which means if anyone is really interested in knowing what is going on, they should take a day off work and attend.
Because I find people here ready to criticise without really understanding whats happening.
Why is is it that the players are very happy with the way the case is proceeding, yet people here criticising the judge, Lasana, basically everyone?
People here should realise that when you're trying to trap an alligator, you have to make sure he don't bite off your arm or just slip away.
It may be pedantic, but the law is like that. You cannot skip a step because someone like Lalla will exploit that error.
How many times have you heard criminals being released because procedure wasn't followed?
Someone say the players should have sued Jack. Ok, what for? He was an employee, so therefore he could escape by saying he was just doing TTFF's bidding. He has no ownership of TTFF. So ultimately its TTFF's responsibility. Even the judge refers to him as agent of TTFF. Also, there is not one document that shows that Jack received a single cent in salary or sponsorship aside from the accounts he has produced. The case against Jack would have failed before it started.
To get to Jack you needed Camps, who is the sole proprietor of TTFF, and Groden (TTFF) to finger Jack. Once that has been established, then you can go after Jack.
That's where we are now. But before Jack can be added, there has to be an unchallengeable reason to add him. TTFF, as Jacks employer, have to show that Jack is not complying with their requests. They then have to sue him for their money and documents. Although everyone knows Jack has everything, its all hearsay. So, once the TTFF exercise their legal rights and sue him, his evidence will be utilised in the players case. Then he could be added. If TTFF refuse to sue Jack, they will be in contempt of court and punished accordingly. The judge would then, as a last resort, add Jack to the case.
Any deviation from this process would invite an appeal for so many reasons.
Yesterday, the judge was severe in his criticism. He made it clear that this situation would be resolved yesterday to his satisfaction. TTFF asked for 4 weeks to plan, he gave them 30 minutes. They then requested 2 weeks, he gave them 3 hours. They claimed all of the TTFF documents were illegally removed by the players, the judge allowed Sancho to return to TTFF offices to ensure everything was still there, and it was. The players requested permission to copy the documents. After TTFFs strenuous challenges, the judge approved the players request.
Lalla had no need to attend court. He no longer represented TTFF and Jack wasn't on trial. Yet the Judge ordered Lalla to attend. Each time, when TTFF lawyer, Ali, claimed unfamiliarity with the case or that he'd had no access to documents, the judge just told him that Lalla is here, ask him.
Lasanas headline is 100% accurate. On Friday, TTFF must return to court with a law suit against Jack. If they don't, or the suit is not strong enough, the judge will charge them with contempt. He can do this because he set up Groden beautifully. When Jacks letter to TTFF saying that he had given over all accounts and money to TTFF was read, the judge made Groden walk to the front of the court to face him. The judge said "Mr Groden, are you satisfied with this response?" Groden stammered and mumbled, but eventually admitted he was not satisfied. The judge immediately asked what TTFF planned to do. Groden was completely confused and clearly didn't know what the next correct move was. He then said, he should consult with counsel. But the judge just swung around on Ali and said "What are you going to do?" Ali shit himself. He clearly hadn't recognised the seriousness of this hearing. He said he would consult with his clients and decide. The judge went garrity on him. "But your client isn't satisfied with the response from its agent. So what are you going to do?" This was when the first 30 minute break came.
Camps, Groden and their lawyers were clearly shook up. It was clear their strategy was to ask for another 4 weeks to respond. The judge said he was prepared to sit their until midnight. He's clearly had enough and his ducks are lined up ready to shoot at.
"It abundantly clear that Jack was far more than an advisor." Statements like this are legally naive, although obviously accurate. There is not a shred of evidence that Warner controlled money or gave orders to TTFF.
Maybe Liburd oversimplified some statements. Journalists do this for impact. "Judge orders Warner: Show me the money" may not be factually correct, but this is what actually happened. Perhaps the headline should have read:
"Judge orders TTFF: Write to Warner to show you the money so you can then show it to me"
"Ah tort de judge say if Jack didn't comply he would add him as a defendant to the case (ent Football Supporter)?" Jack did comply. He contradicted his affidavit. I'm not sure if this is perjury, but he certainly lied to either the court or his employer. The judge clearly said yesterday that if TTFF don't sue Jack, he will put them in contempt and use his powers to obtain the information.
Its my belief that Rampersad knows exactly what he's doing. The biggest fear of the players now is that Jack will make an offer to settle to avoid court. Although the players would like their money, they are really keen to see these people recognised legally as responsible for misappropriation of funds and unable to continue working in football.
