Alleyne's lawyer says arrest seems like abuse of process

Om Lalla and his client, Ian Alleyne (Express Photo)

Ian Alleyne's attorney Om Lalla said on national television Thursday night the arrest of his client seems to be an abuse of process.

Speaking on TV6 before Alleyne's arrest Lalla said, "We got notification that the police had an interest in Ian. We later found out that they were here (at the TV station) to arrest him.

"I have spoken to a Senior Superintendent who is in charge of the party of police officers, who have indicated that their intention is to arrest Ian in connection with a broadcast that was aired several months ago, and it is with this connection they intend to arrest him as soon as we finish in the studio and take him to CID for the purpose of questioning. 

"It is likely from what we understand that he may be charged later tonight (Thursday night) for an offence they have not given particulars on yet."

Lalla said he and Alleyne intended to give the police their full cooperation.

The lawyer said if the matter had to do with the police raid carried out on the at the TV station in search of a tape showing the rape of a 13-year-old girl, then the matter should be handled differently since Alleyne and lawyers for the TV station had indicated their willingness to cooperate.

"In spite of our request that we would meet them at the police station they have refused and the instructions are that he's to be arrested. 

"We will cooperate but again, it does seem to be an abuse of process but we will cooperate as TV6 has done throughout, we will cooperate as we have done in the past and we will continue to do so and we will see what comes out of this investigation tonight," Lalla said.