Stabroek News
March 7, 2001

The drama surrounding Mark Benschop continued yesterday--this time in the Georgetown Magistrate's Court--with the issuance and the subsequent recall of an arrest warrant for him.

At about 0930 hrs, Magistrate Jerrick Stephney issued the detention order for the 'Straight Up' host after he called five matters pertaining to him on three separate occasions and Benschop remained a no show.

However, some one hour later, his attorney-at-law, Nigel Hughes, turned up and made an application to have the warrant recalled, stating that his client had not been advised to attend court.

According to Hughes, Benschop was unaware that any charges had been filed, much less instituted against him. He submitted that the order was unfair because his client was not warned. Ironically, Benschop was at a 1000 hrs press conference hosted by Commissioner of Police, Laurie Lewis.

The controversial talk-show host has been charged with assaulting Inspector Kevin Adonis, resisting arrest, obstructing Adonis while he was executing his duties and for disorderly behaviour. It is also alleged that while at the Brickdam Police station, Benschop behaved in a disorderly manner.

Hughes said that he will be filing private criminal charges on Benschop's behalf against Adonis.

The television personality was arrested on the evening of February 22, in America Street, Georgetown, after he reportedly intervened as officers were conducting a routine raid in the city.

Before undoing his actions, Stephney stated that he viewed refusal to attend court seriously, regardless of the personality involved, and warned that Benschop be present come Friday.