THE voir dire (trial within a trial) being conducted by Justice James Bovell-Drakes to determine the admissibility of statements in the Powley murder trial, continues.Following the suspension of the original case earlier this week to provide for the holding of the voir dire, prosecution witnesses continue to give evidence before the judge in the absence of the jury.

The prosecution, led by State counsel Miss Narissa Leander in association with Miss Natasha Backer, had alleged in her opening address to the jury that it was a disagreement between two men that led to the murder of Vishnauth Narine called “Buddy.”
Evidence, she said, would be led to show that the disagreement erupted into a row, and resulted in a clash between the two men at Plastic City jetty, Vreed-en-Hoop.
‘Buddy’, now deceased, it is said ran over to his neighbour’s yard and the accused ran behind him. While running, Buddy slid by a fence and a witness will say that at this stage, the accused stabbed him with an object causing him to die later in hospital.
Because of the circumstances in which certain statements were given, the court agreed that a voir dire be held to determine the admissibility of the statements.
Hearing of the voir dire will continue on the resumption on Monday.
The accused, Michael Powley, has pleaded not guilty and is being represented by Attorney-at-law, Mr. Basil Williams, in association with Mrs. Bettina Glasford.