JUSTICE James Bovell-Drakes, on Tuesday, diverted an attempt by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to appeal against a not guilty jury verdict in a murder case.

State Counsel Dhanika Singh had, on behalf of the DPP, submitted the motion but was told by the judge that the Constitution, which  gave the jurors the right to decide on the fate of the accused, had not been amended.
Justice Bovell-Drakes maintained that the law would have to be amended before that prerogative could be taken away.
However, the judge advised the lawyer to take up the matter with the Registrar, pointing  out that he would not take the jury’s verdict lightly.
Not guilty
Justice Bovell-Drakes then told the indicted man, Romo Andrews:“The jury have found you not guilty both of murder and the lesser count manslaughter. You are free to leave.”
The freed man had been on trial for the unlawful killing of Andrew Thomas, whose throat was slashed with a knife.
The Defence had claimed Andrews was subjected to provocation and acted to defend himself after Thomas attacked him with a dog chain on August 16, 2009.
Mr. Huckumchand appeared for Andrews and Singh was associated with other State Counsel Natasha Backer.