By Markelia Rumble

Proceedings at the St. Catherine and Corporate Area parish courts were disrupted today due to bomb threats which prompted emergency evacuations and the rescheduling of several court matters.

The criminal divisions of both courts were impacted.

The Court Administration Division (CAD) says at approximately 10:00 A.M., staff and visitors were advised to vacate both court buildings as a precaution while security assessments were conducted.

Following a thorough inspection, law enforcement cleared the Corporate Area Parish Court for re-entry, shortly after 1:00 P.M. allowing staff to return.

However, the St. Catherine Parish Court remained closed for the day and staff were sent home.

Matters scheduled for today at the Corporate Area Parish Court’s Criminal Division will now be heard tomorrow.

Meanwhile, civil matters at the St. Catherine Parish Court originally set for today will take place on Friday, December 13, at 10:00 A.M.

The CAD says individuals with criminal matters and their attorneys will be contacted directly with new court dates.

Additionally, the night court session in Portmore originally scheduled for tonight, has been suspended and will resume next Thursday, December 12, at 5:00 P.M.

The CAD notes that operations at outstation courts were unaffected and continued as scheduled.