By LEANDRA ROLLE

Tribune Chief Reporter

lrolle@tribunemedia.net

A TOP defence attorney was cautioned in court yesterday after he threatened to slap Water and Sewerage Corporation (WSC) General Manager Robert Deal during cross-examination in the ongoing trial of Long Island MP Adrian Gibson and others.

Geoffrey Farquharson, one of Mr Gibson’s attorneys, apologised to Mr Deal after the outburst, which occurred while questioning him about his involvement in the WSC’s tank painting project.

Mr Deal had previously testified that he was not directly involved in the project and had only received regular reports on it.

However, Mr Farquharson challenged this, suggesting that Mr Deal was responsible for staying informed on the corporation’s tank works and building renovations.

Mr Deal maintained that he had already answered the question and reiterated that he was not directly involved.

But Mr Farquharson pressed further, repeating the question.

“You can only stay up to date if you’re involved,” Mr Deal responded.

The attorney then asked if Mr Deal understood the difference between receiving information and being involved in a project.

The witness replied that he had only received updates and reports.

At that point, Mr Farquharson pointed to an email the witness allegedly received regarding the tank works.

When Mr Deal asked to see the email, the attorney snapped: “Don’t ask me no questions. Mr Deal, I’ll come up there and slap you, ya know.”

Director of Public Prosecutions Cordell Frazier immediately intervened, and Mr Farquharson apologised.

The exchange was one of several tense moments between the witness and Mr Farquharson, who repeatedly sought to undermine Mr Deal’s credibility, accusing him of withholding information and being evasive.

Throughout his questioning, the attorney scolded the witness, at times telling him to “stop doing foolishness,” “don’t shuffle and jive in this witness box,” “stop wasting time” and “I’ll jail you if you try that with me.”

Justice Cheryl Grant-Thompson repeatedly warned him against threatening the witness. Still, he continued to chide Mr Deal.

The defence attorney also grilled him about his past suspensions from WSC, suggesting that one was linked to allegations of using WSC staff to renovate his apartment in Eastwood.

He further claimed an employee accused Mr Deal of using the corporation’s equipment for the work.

Mr Deal didn’t confirm the allegations. He admitted that he was suspended once, adding the reasons were never officially disclosed to him.

He also testified that he has yet to receive an official response from the corporation on the outcome of the matter.

Asked if he still owned the building in Eastwood, the witness said he didn’t own any building there.

Mr Farquharson then suggested that Mr Deal had only kept his job because of Mr Gibson’s intervention.

“And look what you doing to him? They said no good deed goes unpunished,” the defense attorney remarked.

The witness maintained that his relationship with Mr Gibson was cordial and that he was always respectful to him.

Mr Farquharson’s questioning also focused on Mr Deal’s role as head of WSC’s Internal Control and Compliance Division (ICCD).

He suggested it was a conflict of interest for the ICC to investigate the board.

However, Mr Deal disagreed, insisting the ICCD is responsible for investigating a range of matters.

Mr Farquharson then asked whether it would be more fair or appropriate for an external entity to investigate the board.

Mr Deal replied that it would depend on the circumstances.

Mr Gibson has been on trial alongside Elwood Donaldson Jr, former WSC general manager, Joan Knowles, Peaches Farquharson, and Jerome Missick since November 2023.

The charges stem from contracts awarded by the corporation while he served as WSC executive chairman.

Mr Farquharson, Damian Gomez KC, Murrio Ducille KC, Ian Cargill, Bryan Bastian, Ryan Eve and Raphael Moxey represent the defendants.

Meanwhile, the Crown’s lawyers include Director of Public Prosecutions Cordell Frazier, Cashena Thompson, Karine MacVean and Rashied Edgecombe.