Proceedings in the St Thomas Circuit Court are being slowed down because the exhibit room at the Morant Bay Police Station is infested with rats and cockroaches.

The disclosure was made yesterday when exhibits which were requested by defence lawyers in a wounding case were not brought to court.

Detective Sergeant Bertlan Reynolds, when questioned about the exhibits, told Supreme Court Judge Marjorie-Cole Smith that he was unable to take them to court because the exhibit room was infested with rats and cockroaches.

Fumigation request

The policeman explained that the exhibit room would have to be fumigated by the health department before the exhibits could be taken to court.

Exhibits which included ammunition and items of clothing were requested by the defence in the case of Albert Edmondson, who is charged with wounding with intent and illegal possession of firearm.

The case has been set for mention on April 23.