AFTER over a week in voir dire, the open trial resumed for Marisco George and John Caesar, before Justice Sandil Kissoon on Monday.

The two are facing joint charges. For the first count, it was alleged that on July 4, 2009 in the county of Demerara, the duo caused grievous bodily harm on Dhanwantee Phulchand with intent to murder her.

The second count read that on the same day, the duo allegedly wounded Dhanwantee Phulchand, with intent to cause grievous bodily harm or to maim, disfigure or disable her.
The third count was robbery with violence. It is alleged that they, on the aforementioned day, robbed Phulchand of GYD$572,000 in cash, one shirt and a lady’s purse and assaulted Phulchand at the time of, immediately before or immediately after the robbery.

State Prosecutor, Abbigail Gibbs brought to the witness box, two police officers who were involved in the taking of the statements when the two were first arrested.

The first officer, Cedric Gravesande, stated that he was the one who took Marisco George’s statement. He indicated that Marisco George asked that another police officer assist her in writing the statement. He denied that any force, threat or promise was made to the accused to give statement, she gave it on her own free will and signed it seven times and

Gravesande signed as witness. She was also made aware of her rights to a lawyer or representative and was given documents to read pertaining to the charge before her.

Marisco George told the officers that she can read, and understood everything that she was given to read.

However, in the cross examination by her counsel, Attorney-at-law, Phillip Damien DaSilva, Marisco George is known to be illiterate and DaSilva questioned if the officers made any effort to ensure that she was able to read. Gravesande said that she affirmed that she understood everything so they made no further efforts to prove.

Gravesande also testified to witnessing Caesar’s statement. On June 22, 2010, Caesar was detained and Gravesande stated that he told him of the charge and his rights and they proceeded to take the statement. Caesar chose to write his own statement with Constable Kendell as witness.

His statement was read before the court. Upon hearing the statement, the prisoner sprang to his feet and shouted “this man is very pythagoras!!” He denied saying what was read out in the statement.

However, Gravesande continued with his testimony, and Caesar throughout, kept showing the officer his middle finger and at one point, mouthed expletives.

After completing his statement, it was cross examined by both counsels, DaSilva for

Marisco, and Attorney-at-law, Brandon DeSantos, for Caeser.
The trial continues.