TEEN TO STAND TRIAL FOR MURDER

16-year-old Keron Joseph was yesterday committed to stand trial by Chief Magistrate Sherman Mc Nicolls.

Joseph, of Beetham Estate, was charged with the murder of 39-year-old PC Keron Parke at Ajodha Street, San Juan, on December 30, 2002. The charge was laid indictably by ASP Gregory Correia of the Barataria CID. Parke was fatally shot at Lincoln’s parlour, moments after serving a court summons. Twelve witnesses gave evidence in the enquiry. In his closing submission, Defence Attorney Keith Beckles attempted to discredit the case of prosecution attorney Debby Ann Bassaw. “The witnesses called by the prosecution have basically given evidence base on hearsay and what happened after the fact,” said Beckles. Beckles added, “There were no eye witnesses and the prosecution’s evidence is contradictory, tenuous and weak.”

In response Bassaw submitted, “the defendant admitted that he was at the scene, with the loaded weapon, pointed it in the direction of the officer and pulled the trigger.” Mc Nicolls overuled Beckles’ no case submission. He then asked if Joseph wished to call any witnesses to give evidence on his behalf. Joseph, dressed in a long sleeved shirt and tie, indicated that he did not. He said he would give particulars of his alibi to the Director of Public Prosecutions in writing within ten days.  There was no objection from the State and the Magistrate recorded the request. Mc Nicolls then informed Joseph that he was satisfied that a prima facie case had been made against him and that he would stand trial at the next sitting of the High Court.