Novel preliminary point taken by Senior counsel
SENIOR Counsel Mr. Bernard De Santos took a novel preliminary point in the Bhoodoo murder trial yesterday, submitting that the trial about to be undertaken was an abuse of the process of the Court.
According to him, what has happened was in breach of his client’s (the accused) constitutional right, where he has been denied  a fair hearing within a reasonable time.
The accused Khemraj Bhoodoo, called ‘Sham and Shaw’ is charged with having, on July 5, 2005, in the county of Demerara, murdered Lilendra Roopnarine, called ‘Boyo’.
The Prosecution requested that the trial begin with a voir dire ( a trial within a trial) to determine the issue.
Justice  Roxanne George is conducting the voir dire,  while the jury was sent out of sight and hearing.
In the meantime,  Mr. De Santos continues to make his submissions to the Judge.
State Prosecutor Miss Latchmie Rahamat will reply  to Mr. De Santos, after  which the judge will rule.