Attorney Denniese Walker Detained After St Catherine Courtroom Dispute

Attorney Denniese Walker was placed in police custody on Friday after her conduct during a hearing prompted the presiding judge in the St Catherine Parish Court to have her removed.

Walker was representing a client when she repeatedly spoke over the proceedings. Reports indicate that the confrontation developed after she raised a case and learnt that it had been sent to mediation.

She challenged that decision, saying the complainant was not present and maintaining that the dispute between siblings should be addressed at once.

"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," Walker reportedly said.

Acting Senior Parish Court Judge Janelle Nelson-Gayle told the attorney to regain her composure and advised that her actions were approaching contempt of court.

Walker allegedly kept talking and called on a court officer to bring the complainant before the court.

"Officer, call di complainant now please, call her," she reportedly instructed.

Nelson-Gayle again directed Walker to stop the conduct before ordering her out of the courtroom. Walker reportedly left but later re-entered and stated: "I am paid to represent him."

The judge then instructed police personnel to detain Walker so that she could "cool off."

Officers restrained the attorney outside the courtroom, took her back inside and subsequently escorted her towards the holding cells. During the escort, Walker allegedly shouted: "God send down fire come burn down dis."

Nelson-Gayle later determined that the client should receive representation from another lawyer and said she would hear no further submissions from Walker.

The court was also informed that Walker would be required to apologise for her behaviour in her capacity as an officer of the court.