Lawyer Denniese Walker held after clash at St Catherine Parish Court

Attorney-at-law Denniese Walker was placed in custody on Friday following her conduct at a sitting of the St Catherine Parish Court.

Trouble arose when Walker learned that proceedings involving her client had been scheduled for mediation. She pushed back, pointing out that the complainant was absent and that the dispute was between a brother and sister.

"How must mediation be and di complainant not here and is a brother and sister matter. So, call di complainant, as I want it dealt with now," she said.

Acting Senior Parish Court Judge Janelle Nelson-Gayle warned Walker that her conduct was nearing contempt of court. Walker pressed on, demanding that the complainant be summoned.

"Officer, call di complainant now please, call her," she said.

The judge again told Walker to stop and ordered her out of the courtroom. Walker left, then came back and stated, "I am paid to represent him."

Judge Nelson-Gayle then called on the police to take the attorney into custody. Walker resisted and kept up her protest. Officers restrained her outside the courtroom, brought her back inside, and then moved her to the holding cells.

"God send down fire come burn down dis," the lawyer said as she was taken to lock-up.

The judge thereafter assigned the case to a different attorney, saying she did not wish to hear further from Walker. The court was told that Walker would be expected to apologise for her conduct as an officer of the court.