THIRTY-YEAR-OLD Pascal Smith, also known as ‘Pop-Skull’, on Thursday, entered a not guilty plea for his alleged role in the murder of John Houston on Alexander Street, Georgetown in May 2017.

Smith, who had attempted to escape the Lusignan prison in 2017, was arraigned before Justice Brassington Reynolds at the Demerara High Court.

The State, represented by prosecutor Seeta Bishundial, called its first witness, Boodhoo Persaud, on Thursday. The matter will come up again in the court on February 15.

Smith was represented by attorney-at-law Siand Dhurjon.

Reports indicate that on the day in question in May 2017 when the alleged incident occurred, Smith and the now-deceased man had a confrontation on Alexander Street. The man, Houston, was injured severely and subsequently died.

Smith was later arrested and charged following a police investigation.

To evade prosecution, Smith had joined 12 others in a daring escape of the holding area of the Lusignan Prison, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

Smith was later recaptured in Barr Street, Kitty where he attempted to evade police by jumping into a pit latrine, causing an officer to leap after him. He was sentenced to one year in prison for the escape.