Management hiccups delay trial in one court
ONE of the two courts to which cases have been assigned, for the April criminal sessions of the Demerara Assizes which was officially opened on April 3, is still to begin trials.
The delay is due to reported management hiccups involving the prosecution and defence counsel. That court is not expected to begin functioning before Monday, April 16.
Yesterday, Justice Roxanne George-Wiltshire apologised to the would-be jurors for the situation, pointing out that, while she would not disclose what was causing the hold-up, she confirmed it had to do with managerial issues.
According to her, the problem was not likely to be overcome before next Monday.
As a consequence, the jurors were advised to return then, when, if everything goes alright, a panel will be selected for the Seerajie Singh murder case.
The three accused, Anandram Dharamrap called Alvin, alias ‘Duck Beak’, Naresh Boodhoo also known as ‘Alloo’ and ‘Taipaul’ and Hemraj Boodurah called ‘Tilly’ are indicted for the unlawful killing of Singh called Prowel Sarajie and Lalita on February 11, 2006.
State Prosecutor, Konyo Sandiford said, according to the depositions from the preliminary inquiry (PI), 11 witnesses are likely to be called.
The other court, presided over by Justice Franklyn Holder, has had a jury sworn but the start of the case was adjourned, to today, at the request of defence counsel, for time to study the depositions.