ONE day after a jury was empanelled to try Paul Abrams and Claude Craig for buggery, rape and indecent assault, the third accused – Hoston Melville – who was absent turned up Wednesday and pleaded ignorance about the trial.The Presiding Judge, Justice Jo-Ann Barlow, was faced with no alternative than to abort the current trial; a new jury will have to be empaneled. Melville has not yet been represented by a lawyer but assured the Court that if he does not find one by Tuesday next he will have to represent himself.

The three accused are charged with having committed the acts of buggery, rape, and indecent assault on a woman on December 5, 2007.

The duo who had pleaded not guilty at their trial on Tuesday last, will have to plea again when the new trial begins next Tuesday.
Senior counsel Mr. Bernard De Santos had at the last trial entered appearance for Paul Abrams, while Mr. Nigel Hughes had given his undertaking to represent Claude Craig.

The Prosecution is headed by Mr. Siand Dhurjon and includes Miss Shonette Austin.