Cop lauds Red Fete murder accused

DILIGENT and level-headed was how State witness Cpl Linford Huggins described murder accused PC Dave Burnett. Huggins, who is attached to the Four Roads Police Station, was yesterday giving evidence at the Port-of-Spain Eighth Magistrates’ Court at the inquiry into the murder of Kevin Cato. The inquiry is being heard by Chief Magistrate Sherman McNicolls. Although he was giving evidence for the State, Huggins said he never had any reason to doubt Burnett’s dedication to his duties as a police officer.

Two more of Burnett’s colleagues, Sgt Winston Isaac and PC Nigel Beddoe of the Port-of-Spain CID, also gave evidence for the State. Burnett, 30, of St Barbs Road in Belmont, was charged with Cato’s murder and wounding another man, Ryan Solomon, with the intent to do grievous bodily harm. The charges were laid on January 28 by Supt Errol Denoon of the Port-of-Spain CID. Cato, 18, of Heritage Drive, Chin Chin Road, Cunupia, was fatally shot at the “Outrageous in Red” fete at Pier 1 on January 25. Solomon, of Longdenville, Chaguanas, was severely wounded. The two were allegedly involved in an altercation with the officer. After hearing the evidence of the three witnesses, McNicolls inquired of State attorney Tricia Hudlin why she had not brought “five or six witnesses” in order to hasten the proceedings.  “They were not available to come to court today your Worship,” Hudlin responded. Burnett, who was represented by attorney Pamela Elder SC, will re-appear in court on March 12.