Defence lawyers concerned about bail applications

Defence attorney Valerie Neita- Robertson is raising concern about what she says is the amount of latitude given to prosecutors in setting dates for bail applications.



She is also concerned that persons accused of crimes sometimes spend long periods in custody even before the case is tried.



The defence attorney is raising concern after a mention date was set this morning in the murder case of popular dancehall artiste Desmond Ballentine, also known as Ninja Man.



He has been in custody for about three years awaiting trial.



Neita-Robertson wants judges and not the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions to determine what happens in court.



She says changes with the practice which now exists will help clear up the backlog of cases now before the courts.



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