Machel back in box after NY concert

Soca star Machel Montano returned to court yesterday, mere hours after returning from performing for a capacity crowd in New York’s Madison Square Garden last Friday. State prosecutor George Busby began the fourth day of cross-examination before Magistrate Maureen Baboolal-Gafoor by analysing Montano’s choice of alcohol on the night of the alleged incident, vodka and cranberry juice. Busby said: “Do you (Montano) understand the saying, vodka is a creeper?”

“Yes I understand the saying means vodka creeps up on you, but I do not agree with the saying,” Montano responded. Busby then proceeded to grill Montano about his exit from the Zen nightclub that night in April 2007. Montano in his evidence said he was told by Kernel Roberts there was a group of irate persons waiting outside the club, cursing and calling his (Montano) name. Montano said he decided to leave the club on hearing that. Baboolal-Gafoor then had to give the court a short recess, when Montano complained of “leg cramps” while testifying in the witness box.   When the court resumed, Busby then questioned Montano on the whereabouts of the co-accused, when he was leaving the club on the night of the incident.

Montano told the court he did not know where they were when he was leaving the club. The day’s session ended with Busby questioning Montano’s choice of exit from the club, asking Montano, why he did not use the club’s VIP entrance from which he entered earlier. Montano said he never left the club using that route before and there was usually a gate that restricted movement in that area. The co-accused in the case are Kernel Roberts, Joel “Zan” Feveck and  Rodney “Benjai” Le Blanc. The four are charged with assaulting  Russell Pollonais and Brandis Browne outside the club’s Keate Street location. Cross-examination of Montano continues today.