By RASHAD ROLLE

Tribune Staff Reporter

rrolle@tribunemedia.net

THE Attorney General's office will not pursue legal action against V Alfred Gray following its investigation into the allegations of judicial interference that have dogged the MICAL MP this year.

On Friday night the Attorney General's office released a statement citing a conflicting "nature of evidence" as reason to not "institute criminal proceedings" against any person connected to the matter.

"While it may be tempting to draw conclusions from allegations reported (second hand) in the media, it is important at all times that evidence guides the decision making process," the statement said.

"This is especially important to preserve fairness and the integrity of all trial proceedings."

The statement said Attorney General Allyson Maynard Gibson has recommended to Chief Justice Hartman Longley that "stipendiary and circuit magistrates increase their circuit work" to reduce the chances of similar allegations being made in the future and to protect the integrity of the judicial system.

The decision not to bring charges against Mr Gray, the Minister for Agriculture and Marine Resources, is expected to sit poorly with the Free National Movement (FNM), which has called for Mr Gray's resignation from Cabinet and has criticised the Attorney General's office for "dragging its feet" while deliberating on the matter. The Attorney General's office received a report on the matter from Police Commissioner Ellison Greenslade on April 20.

The FNM alleged in March that Mr Gray used his Cabinet position to free a man in his constituency, reversing the man's conviction and sentencing. The FNM organised protests in New Providence in view of the allegations, demanding Mr Gray's resignation.

FNM chairman Michael Pintard said on Friday night his party is not surprised by the Attorney General's decision

"It does not come as a surprise that the Attorney General has made the determination that she has made, no doubt in conjunction with the cabinet of the Bahamas," he said. "We have said all along that the Attorney General is conflicted. The Attorney General obviously is unable to rise above the inherent conflict of her position, sitting alongside colleagues upon whom she has been called on to investigate. She is unable to make an impartial decision on the fate of people she enjoys a collegial relationship."

In his defence, Mr Gray has said that he contacted Mayaguana Adminstrator Zephaniah Newbold only to offer "legal advice." He denied that he attempted to sway the course of justice, saying he only advised the administrator that he had the option of granting bail since an appeal had been filed.

However, Mr Newbold told reporters that he released the convicted youth, 19-year-old Jaquan Charlton, outright "after an order came forth."

In a letter to the chief magistrate obtained by The Tribune, Mr Newbold alleged that Mr Gray threatened to transfer him from Mayaguana if he refused to release the accused teen.

However, Wayne Munroe, the lawyer who represented Mr Gray in the matter, denied Mr Newbold's claims, saying that phone records would cause people to question the veracity of the administrator's version of events.

In March, Mr Gray requested that the local government portfolio of his ministerial responsiblity be transferred to another minister pending the outcome of the police investigation. His responsibilities were subsequently transferred to Financial Services Minister Hope Strachan.

It is unclear if Mr Gray will now regain responsibility for the local government portfolio. A government spokesperson said last night that such a determination will be made by Prime Minister Perry Christie.

Mr Gray declined to comment on Friday night on the Attorney General's announcement, saying he will speak on the matter when he returns to New Providence from Acklins.

In a previous interview with The Tribune, Mr Munroe predicted that his client would not be charged, saying that the Attorney General would instead take steps necessary to eliminate the possibility of future instances of alleged judicial interference from taking place.