WITNESS SCOLDS LAWYER

A state witness yesterday scolded a defence attorney for speaking to her in a “bad manner.”

Lisa Joseph, 56, unemployed neighbour and friend of murder accused, Veta Layne, appeared yesterday before Chief Magistrate Sherman Mc Nicolls in the Port of Spain Magistrates’ Eighth Court. Joseph gave evidence in the preliminary inquiry under the direction of State Attorney George Busby and was later cross examined by defence attorney Larry Williams.

During the cross-examination, the witness attempted to scold the attorney, saying, “When you talking to me, talk in a proper manner.” She continued, “I went to school you know!” Following a heated exchange between the two, and the resulting refusal of the witness to answer questions posed by the attorney, Magistrate McNicolls intervened. “Ma’am, if you continue to refuse to respond to counsel, I will have you put in the holding bay. You will respect this court!” said the Magistrate. Layne quietly slept throughout the exchange.

The 59-year-old resident of Brunton Road, St James, was charged with the December 2 murder of her 93 year old mother, Doris Layne, at Brunton Road, St. James. She was also charged with unlawfully and maliciously setting fire to the dwelling house of Simone, Brisanne and Adrian Webb. Magistrate McNicolls adjourned the matter to June 2.