After calling 30 witnesses in the preliminary inquiry, the prosecution is yet to lead any evidence implicating the six policemen in the triple murder of friends Alana Duncan, Abigail Johnson and Kerron "Finger" Eccles. Defence attorney Israel Khan, SC, said so in the Princes?Town Magistrates Court yesterday as he called on prosecutor Gilbert Peterson SC to disclose the second statement of WPC?Nicole Clement.
"So far 30 witnesses and not an iota of evidence implicating these men," said Khan, who is representing accused Ag Cpl Khemraj Sahadeo, PCs Antonio Ramdhin, Glen Singh, Roger Nicholas, Ronaldo Rivero and Safraz Juman. Former members of the San Fernando Robbery Squad, the officers are before Senior Magistrate Debra Quintyne charged with murdering the three friends on July 22, 2011, at Rochard Douglas Road, Barrackpore.
Khan asked Peterson when the prosecution would be leading substantial witnesses. "We cannot call all witnesses on the same day," said Peterson. "You have any? At least disclose," Khan said. He told the magistrate it was time the prosecution disclosed the second statement of WPC Clement if it existed. He said he needed it to prepare the defence case.
Clement was jointly charged with the accused policemen but turned State witness and the murder charges against her were dropped. "I am not aware of a second statement and Mr Peterson is only smiling," the magistrate replied. Peterson told Khan he might get lucky before Christmas.
Four more witnesses- Ramesh Jacob, the owner of Raj Wrecking Service in Barrackpore, Ag Sgt Veano Ragoo, PC Akeel Clarence, PC Atam Ramdass - all gave evidence in the inquiry which began on November 5. A page from the personal diary of Ragoo and entries from the Police Firearm Registry were tendered into evidence.
The matter was initially set aside for December 17, 18 and 20 but because of the unavailability of the attorneys the matter will only be heard on December 20.