Star witness denies ‘setting up’ accused

IN HIS fifth day of cross-examination yesterday, star witness Byron Vespry denied he set up murder accused Glenroy London to save his own neck. Defence Attorney Ian Stuart Brooke put it to Vespry that he and his partner framed London after he stole a bag of cocaine from them. Vespry denied the allegations when he continued his testimony before a 12-member jury and Justice Melville Baird in the First Criminal Court of the San Fernando Assizes. Acting Assistant DPP Joan Honore-Paul is leading the State’s case. Brooke put it to the prosecution witness that in November 2000, he and Raymond had a bag of cocaine when they met London in Point Ligoure and Raymond tried to sell the narcotics for $50,000 at $8,000 per kilo. The attorney alleged that Raymond wanted London to try to negotiate for half the price but when Raymond would not back down, the accused snatched the bag containing the narcotics and ran off. Brooke put it to Vespry that sometime later he and his brother threatened to set up London with a murder case if he did not return the illegal drugs. Brooke asked the witness: “When you did not get the cocaine back or payment for it, then you gave London’s nickname ‘Boogs’ to the police?” Vespry denied the allegation. London, 43, a labourer of Point Ligoure, is on trial for the murder of Cedros gardener Clifford Mark on November 14, 2000. Vespry, who was in the gang that killed Mark, was granted immunity to testify against London, who he pointed out as the main participant in the murder. The case continues today at 9 am.