OFFICER-IN-CHARGE of the Georgetown Prison, Senior Superintendent Trevor Small disclosed, yesterday, that 131, of the 166 prisoners at the penitentiary awaiting trial at the April criminal sessions of the Demerara Assizes, have requested early trials. He made the disclosure when making the Jail Delivery to Justice Dawn Gregory, marking the closure of the January criminal session.
Small explained that 131 prisoners on remand are facing indictments for murder.
State Counsel Teshana James, who is expected to prosecute before the judge,  could not say which case would top the list for hearing on Tuesday April 5,  as she has not yet seen the listing forwarded by the Supreme Court Registrar for possible trial.
According to James, from that compilation, prosecutors will decide, on the basis of age, to proceed with the oldest.
After receiving the report from Small, Justice Gregory enquired what had happened to the case of Kenrick Heywood, which was called last September but postponed pending investigations.
James explained that, after the accused had exhibited certain signs, he should have been sent for psychological evaluation but the results have not yet reached the Prosecution.
A breakdown of the cases for trial indicated murder 131, attempted murder five, manslaughter two, carnal knowledge 22, incest two, armed robbery one, aiding and abetting murder suspect one and aiding and abetting to commit murder one.
The April criminal sessions, at which Justices Gregory and Roxanne George will preside, open on Tuesday with the traditional ceremonial parade.