Guard goes on trial for killing girlfriend’s baby

In opening the case to the jury, State prosecutor Kathy Ann Waterman-Latchoo told the 12-member jury that they will hear medical evidence from pathologist Dr Hughvon des Vignes about the multiple skull fractures the baby sustained.

Waterman-Latchoo told the jury of eight women and four men that they will hear evidence from des Vignes that the infant’s injuries were not consistent with an 18-inch fall from a concrete bench, but compatible with a fall from a multi-storey building, or with having his head struck forcefully against a hard surface, or with sustaining a bang to the head. Sergeant, 27, of Riverside Road, Petit Valley, is charged with the murder of Tyrese Browne. The baby sustained injuries on November 29, 2002, and died at the Mt Hope Medical Sciences Complex on December 4, 2002.

Waterman-Latchoo and Shoba Jamunar are prosecuting while Evans Welch and Brent Ali are defending Sergeant.

Waterman-Latchoo said the jury will also hear evidence from PC Christopher Caldon — that the accused told him that the baby fell from a concrete bench about 18 inches from the ground.

She said the court will hear how the baby’s mother, Alicia Browne, went with the baby to visit Sergeant at 7 pm on November 29 at the St Joseph Boys’ RC School, Abercromby Street, St Joseph, where he was on duty as a guard. Sergeant took the baby for a walk to the back of the school and when they returned about two hours later, the baby was having difficulty breathing. He told the mother that the baby had fallen.

The prosecution called two witnesses yesterday — police photographers Arlene Skerritt and Daryl Dendier. Skerritt had taken pictures of the child while warded at hospital, and Dendier had photographed the scene of the incident.

Welch sought to have Dendier re-visit the scene to make further observations and report back for additional cross-examination, but the court did not allow it.

The day’s hearing ended with legal submissions in the absence of the jury.

Hearing resumes today.