THE preliminary inquiry (PI) into the murder charge against the barber who, allegedly, stabbed another with a pair of scissors in the Stabroek Market area last September, began Wednesday before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry.

Alvin Barclay, of Lot 1778 Nineteenth Street, Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara, is accused of unlawfully killing Yohan Hunte on September 2, 2012.
Police Inspector Stephen Telford, prosecuting, called five witnesses to testify. The first was Hazel Pindar, a cousin of the deceased Hunte.
Police Corporal Pamela Harding also gave some evidence and will be called, again, to give more.
Another deponent was Police Constable Jermaine Charles and he was followed by Deputy Superintendent  Chalmers and father of the accused, Compton Barclay.
Defence Counsel George Thomas declined to cross- examine the first three witnesses but questioned Chalmers and requested that he return on the next occasion with the Brickdam Station Diary, so as to verify the dates of entries made regarding the accused.
The lawyer informed the court that he anticipates a lengthy cross-examination of the fifth witness and requested an adjournment, which was taken February 18.
The two artisans were plying their trade when they became involved in an argument over the use of electricity and it is alleged that Hunte armed himself with a knife and attacked the accused who inflicted the fatal injury with a pair of scissors.
Hunte succumbed at the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH) and Barclay turned himself in to police, subsequently.