Three students committed to stand trial for wounding

The three male students charged with  wounding  a Maraval man were yesterday committed to stand trial at the Port-of-Spain Assizes by Magistrate Melvin Daniel in the Port-of-Spain Fourth Magistrates’ Court.

Johann Marrin of Greenhill Village, Diego Martin, Christopher Downs of Dixon Avenue, Diego Martin, and Seamus Borde, of Stratford Court, Westmoorings, were charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent to 26-year-old Jeremy Johnston. Johnston was allegedly beaten with pieces of wood outside of  Pier 1, Chaguaramas, on New Years Day, last year. He reportedly lost his right eye as a result of the incident. The three accused were arrested and charged following investigations by PC Premchand Seepersad of the Carenage CID.
Both Marrin and Downs study at universities in the United States, whilst Borde attends a tertiary-level business school in St. Augustine.

Magistrate Daniel’s decision followed the closing submissions of both the defence and prosecution. Theodore Guerra SC appeared on behalf of Marrin, attorney Gilbert Peterson represented Downs and Borde was represented by Vernon De Lima. Israel Khan SC, was granted special permission by the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) to prosecute on behalf of Johnston in the matter. De Lima was the only attorney to make a closing submission in the matter. He told the magistrate a case had not been made against his client and Borde should be discharged. However, Khan responded that Borde was just as responsible as the other two accused. He submitted that the incident was a joint enterprise and a prima facie case had been made out against all the accused.

Magistrate Daniel stated that after reviewing all of the evidence, he believed that a case had been made out against the defendants. He then asked the accused if they would like to give further evidence in their defence but they chose to remain silent based on the advice of their attorneys. They were also advised to submit in writing any names they may wish to call on their behalf to the DPP within ten days. Marrin and Downs remained silent. De Lima stated that Borde will not rely on an alibi but on self-defence.

The defendants initially remained silent, then began whispering amongst themselves. The magistrate then granted the students bail with a surety of $60,000 each which were taken by their fathers. He also gave the accused permission to continue their studies and ordered that the addresses of their schools be provided to the court. As Marrin, Downs, and Borde attempted to walk out of the courtroom, they were recalled by police officers to wait in the prison docks whilst their bails were being taken. This was the first time the accused showed any signs of fear as they walked towards the docks. They were committed to stand trial at the next sitting of the Assizes.