THE June criminal sessions at Berbice Assizes closed on Thursday, with 17 prisoners still awaiting trial.

In the Jail Delivery, Superintendent Charles Cossiah, of New Amsterdam Prison, told Justice Winston Patterson that all of the inmates, including a woman, are requesting early trials.

Cossiah said 12 are indicted for murder, three for attempted murder, one for robbery under arms and one for carnal knowledge.

Meanwhile, Justice Patterson concluded six trials in the eight cases that were on his list.