Murder accused gets State-appointed defence counsel

AFTER months of confusion over the issue of legal representation for murder-accused Sean Parris, the trial may soon get underway after the State appointed a defence attorney, in whom Parris says he is pleased. Parris, a maximum security prisoner at Remand Yard, received the news yesterday when he was brought down to the San Fernando High Court before Justice Herbert Volney. When Parris’ case was called, the prisoner said, with a note of dejection in his voice, that his previous State-appointed lawyer had not turned up. But Justice Volney was able to raise Parris’ spirits. “Good news,” Justice Volney declared, “the legal authority has appointed Keith Scotland, instructed by Larry Williams, to represent you, I am advised. This means that you have Port-of-Spain lawyers which is what you wanted. Are you pleased?”

Parris said he was and further added that he was ready to commence his trial. Justice Volney told the prisoner that the State was also ready to begin, but he (Parris) must meet and speak with his (Parris’) attorneys. Since April 1, Parris’ case has been set for trial but was unable to begin due to uncertainty as to which legal aid lawyer was appointed to the case. Parris had accused the Legal Aid department of “playing games” with his case. Parris is charged with the shooting murder of Dr Chandra Narayansingh on June 29, 1994.