Attorney Coddette’s chambers burglarised twice in a week
Stabroek News
July 26, 2002

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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.