Attorney Coddette’s chambers burglarised twice in a week
Stabroek News
July 26, 2002
Attorney-at-law Mortimer Coddette on Wednesday expressed concern that his
appearance in two ongoing high profile legal matters involving
controversial personalities, Mark Benschop and Ronald Waddell, is
responsible for two incidents of vandalism at his chambers.
Coddette told Stabroek News that after attending court for the Benschop
case last Wednesday, he returned to his Croal Street and Manget Place
chambers where he observed that it had been burglarised. And to his utter
disbelief, a similar discovery was made on Wednesday.
“I can only say that [these incidents] occurred because of my appearance
in two high profile cases, that is, with Mark Benschop and Mr. Waddell,”
the attorney stated.
In the first instance, the thieves made off with the UPS (Uninterrupted
Power Supply) for Coddette’s computer, a transformer, two telephones and
an electrical fan, the lawyer said. In addition, grillwork from the
doorway had been removed and the office ransacked.
This time, however, they not only removed replacements for items stolen on
the first occasion but ripped several cables, cut telephone lines, stole
the fluorescent bulbs from the ceiling and damaged the window. He
explained that his chambers, situated on the first floor of First
Federation Building at the western end, is only accessible by using a
ladder since there is no stairway.
“It seems to me that someone is attempting to make my life as a lawyer
difficult. This is apparently no ordinary thief, there is a motive other
than to steal,” Coddette told this newspaper.
He said that the police were notified regarding both incidents and had
visited the scene and taken statements. The ranks had also promised to
send fingerprint experts.
“I don’t know who is behind this but as old people say `moon does run til’
day ketch am’,” Coddette quipped.