Defence no-case submission in Better Hope murder trial rejected – Accused Melville and Ismond make alibi defence to jury

JUSTICE Dawn Gregory, the presiding judge in the  Better Hope murder trial,  yesterday  overruled defence no-case  submissions and called on the accused Mortimer Melville and Jevon Ismond for a defence.

altIn what could be regarded as  alibi defences, Mortimer Melville said in an unsworn statement from the dock –  “I  am innocent of this charge.”
Then his lawyer, Mr.  Hukumchand,  told the court, “That is the case for the defence.”
Mr.  Huckumchand will address the jury this morning when he is expected to advance reasons why they should return a verdict in favour  of the defence.
On the other hand, accused Jevon Damon Ismond, who denied that he knew anything about the scene of  robbery and murder  on the night in  question, elected to give evidence on oath from the witness box,  where he was subjected to cross-examination by the Judge, the  prosecution lawyers and the jury.
He told the judge and jury that in the year 2007, he lived with his parents and seven-year-old daughter at 91 North Slip, Sparendaam  Plaisance, East Coast, Demerara.
He was employed at the Ismond’s Internet Service at the very place that he lived.
He said that he was in court when the witness Bibi Ali gave evidence and heard what she said about the incident.
In answer to his counsel, Mr.  Compton Richardson, Ismond said –  “ I do not know anything about what that woman is saying.”
In answer to further questions from Mr. Richardson , accused replied “ I did not rob any one at Better Hope on  the 21st August, 2007, nor was  I a partry to any robbery  at Better Hope  or any where else.”
“I got to know the number one accused for the first time in Court after I was charged.”
In answer to Prosecutor Miss Diana Kaulesar, the accused said he was a construction worker and at the time of the alleged robbery he was 25 years old.
He denied that he knew Melville in August 2007.
Accused said that he knew nothing about the robbery because he was not there.
In answer to a further  questions, accused denied  a suggestion by the  prosecution  that he and Melville  planned the robbery  together.
Accused said that he was in Barbados where he had  gone in search of work and  heard nothing about the robbery and murder  until he returned.
Accused also told the prosecutor that he had gone to Barbados before and had returned to Guyana to celebrate the birthday party of his daughter.
This morning, Mr. Huckumchand and Mr. Richardson will deliver their addresses to the jury.
This afternoon the prosecution is expected to make its final address to the jury.
Justice Gregory is expected to sum up the evidence to the jury tomorrow, after which she would hand over the case to them for their consideration and verdict.

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