Warriors knock out city courts

By 10.30 am, Cpl Sipian Mark, the last state witness in the murder trial of Shawn La Roche, had completed his evidence and state attorney Candia James had closed the prosecution’s case.

La Roche, is on trial before Justice Larry Lalla at the Port-of-Spain Third Criminal Court for the murder of Fitzpatrick Jones.

La Roche, of Valencia, is alleged to have shot Jones on October 19, 2002 as Jones sat outside the Valencia market with his common-law wife Yvonne Hosten. Jones reportedly ran into the Valencia Police Post before he was taken to the Sangre Grande District Hospital, where he subsequently died.

Lalla, who prior to yesterday’s sitting had indicated his intention to adjourn early, discharged the 12-member panel and three alternates after hearing Mark’s evidence. The prosecutor, however, was obliged to remain until noon in order for La Roche’s attorney Ricky Rahim to make legal submissions.

Meanwhile, the trial of two prisons officers charged with the murder of an inmate was also cut short to allow attorneys, jurors and court personnel enough time to get to wherever they were going to view the game.

The accused men Devindra Ramdial, 36, and Ansen Griffith, 28, are before Justice Mark Mohammed at the Port-of-Spain Second Criminal Court charged with murdering Anton Cooper on a date unknown, between June 25 and 27, 2001.

Cooper, 24, of Indian Walk, Moruga was found dead in his cell at Remand Yard, Golden Grove Prison, Arouca, on June 26, 2001, less than 24 hours after he had been remanded for assault and malicious damage.

When hearing resumes today, defence attorney Pamela Elder SC and Gilbert Peterson will continue their cross-examination of Forensic Pathologist Dr Hughvon DesVignes. The Port-of-Spain Magistrates’ Court was locked tight shortly after midday.