JUSTICE Dawn Gregory, presiding at the controversial murder trial which has been challenged by defence counsel, Basil Williams will next Tuesday, rule on the fate of that trial. Mr. Williams has, in the jury’s absence, made several submissions in support of his contention that there was an irregularity in a plea bargain agreement which resulted in two of four accused being freed and the fourth, allowed to plead guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter, being jailed for seven years and made star witness for the prosecution.
Mr. Williams had approached the constitutional court in the matter, pointing out that his client, the number one accused, Burt Lancaster, has had his constitutional right to a fair trial contravened.
That matter has been fixed for hearing before Acting Chief Justice Mr. Ian Chang, S.C., on February 9.
A move by counsel to get the Chief Justice to grant him a conservatory order to stop the trial before Justice Dawn Gregory was refused. Williams was told that such an application would have to be made to the trial judge.
He has consequently continued making submissions before Justice Dawn Gregory, who has also listened to arguments from lead prosecutor, Miss Konyo Sandiford, who, in association with Miss Diana Kaulesar, is appearing for the State.
At the completion of hearing arguments in the absence of the jury yesterday, Justice Gregory declared that she would deliver her ruling on Tuesday February 7, 2012.