Voir dire proves statements more prejudicial than probative: judge

JUSTICE James Bovell-Drakes, who conducted a voir dire (a trial within a trial) in relation to certain objections to statements by defence lawyer, Mr. Basil Williams in the Michael Powley murder trial, yesterday ruled that the statements were more prejudicial than probative.
Consequently, State Prosecutor Miss Natasha Backer will not be permitted by the court to use the particular statements in the case which is continuing at the Demerara Assizes.
The original trial which gave way to the smaller trial resumed yesterday with the prosecution calling witnesses in support of the prosecution’s case.
The prosecution is alleging that the accused and Vishnauth Narine called “Buddy” now dead, had a disagreement, when it is alleged Powley ran after him and stabbed him with an object.
“Buddy” later died.
The trial is continuing.