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.
In 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.