Guard claims self-defence

A SECURITY guard on trial for the murder of his co-worker is claiming that he acted in self-defence when he shot his colleague. Giving evidence at the Port-of-Spain Second Criminal Court yesterday, PC Sylvan Stewart said the accused admitted to shooting the deceased because he was “fearful.” Stewart was one of the first police officers to arrive at the scene on January 7, 2003. The accused, Arnott Fabien, is before Madame Justice Alice Yorke Soo Hon charged with the murder of Victor McDonald. Both men were employed with Imjin Security Services. 

The two men were on duty at the NHA building in Patna Village, Diego Martin, on the day of the killing. According to Stewart, he arrived on the scene at about noon and saw Fabien dressed in his security uniform. He said Fabien told him that he and McDonald had argued over the removal of lumber at the site, and that McDonald had slapped him in the face. The accused went outside and was followed by the deceased, the officer said.

Stewart said Fabien admitted to shooting McDonald because he was afraid for his life. Fabien was taken to the West End Police Station, where he agreed to give a statement, Stewart said. Attorney Ian Stuart Brook is defending Fabien, while prosecutors Cheron Raphael and Candia James appeared for the State. Hearing resumes on Monday.