General News of Thursday, 13 July 2006

Source: NANA SIFA TWUM, LONDON

Daasebre Dwamena is innocent -Lawyer

Lawyers representing the Ghanaian Highlife Music star, Daasebre Dwamena, who is facing trial for allegedly smuggling cocaine into the UK say evidence gathered so far on the case, indicates that their client is innocent.

But Daasebre will faces a minimum ten-year jail term if found guilty of the charge preferred against him in his drug scandal case before the Uxbridge Magistrate court in London, UK

The head of the law firm Ally Lindsay Solicitors, Mr. Mohamed Reza Ally told reporters after the third appearance of their client via a video link at the court last Tuesday in London.

He said, under the UK laws suspects with more than 500 grammes of the stuff get 10 years or more if found guilty. But there are other factors that are taken into consideration.

‘The purity as well as the quantity of the drug are such factors that to a large extend determine or influence the judgement. In this case the real quantity has not been established yet.’ He noted

He said the substance found on the star was still at the laboratories and may be reduced in purity and size or weight after the examination. He said he was waiting for the results and put together other facts and information to put up a strong case in favour of the musician.

He hinted that Daasebre will plead not-guilt when the case resumes at the Isleworth Crown Court after the adjournment at the Uxbridge magistrate Court at the next sitting on the August 8th 2006.

Mr. Ally who was exercising extreme caution in answering questions not to slip in anyway said he will also pray the court for bail. He said there were several opportunities available to request for bail for his client if ‘someone will volunteer a security or and surelity. He will need a place to lodge and report himself regularly to the security and since he is a star and well known he cannot jump bail and moreover his travelling documents will be temporally ceased.” He noted.

The solicitor who said he has been defending drug smugglers from all over the world into the UK including some from Ghana and Nigeria for the past 20 years, affirmed that the Ghanaian star is comfortable with his firm.

He was not in favour of a suggestion of a Ghanaian lawyer for Daasebre for the sake of language and familiarity, arguing that ‘he cannot be so open to such a lawyer and that may be dangerous to him’. ‘He is not that bad in English and I don’t think there is even the need for an interpreter’. He added.

He noted that Daasebre is so concern about the case but does not want anybody to visit him because he was scared since he has not face any such allegation before.

Mr. Ally said he has linked up with the musician’s family but could not name any family member.