Murder trial aborted
A murder trial was yesterday aborted after a High Court judge ruled that the jury had been exposed to prejudicial evidence in the matter. "This is to avoid contamination of the jury panel so the accused can have a fair trial," said Justice Joan Charles, as she discharged the members of the jury hearing evidence into the murder of a 61-year-old Laventille man. On trial before Charles were 23-year-old Akim Carter of Hell Yard, Beetham Gardens, and 25-year-old Clinton Otis John of Laventille. The matter is being heard in the Port-of-Spain Fifth Criminal Court. Both men are accused of shooting 61-year-old Peter Bernard to death on December 10, 2002, at Picton Road, Laventille. After reaching only as far as opening statements, which were made to the jury on Tuesday by State attorney George Busby, objections were raised by attorney Sean Cazabon, who is representing John. Legal arguments stemming from the objection were raised yesterday in the absence of the jury, after which Charles ruled on the matter. In addressing attorneys, Charles explained that she felt that inadmissable material had come before the jury, material she believed to be highly prejudicial to the accused men. "After applying certain principles in the matter, I conclude that there is indeed a danger of bias in the trial."
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"Murder trial aborted"