Alleged offender, 16, sues State over bail law

A 16-year-old boy on remand in prison has launched a constitutional challenge against the State, claiming the new Bail Act’s “exceptional circumstances” test for firearm offences keeps him locked up without clear legal grounds and breaches his rights.

The boy, who recently turned 16 and is currently on remand at Dodds on firearm charges he denies, is suing for damages, alleging the State has violated his right to personal liberty under Section 13 of the Constitution.

Through his mother and legal counsel Lalu Hanuman, the youth will have his day in court on Friday when High Court Justice Bryan Weekes is set to hear an urgent application on his behalf challenging the new Bail Act.