Firearms expert testifies

FIREARMS expert Derrick Sankar finally appeared at the International School Inquest. When the hearing was called on the last occasion in December, Sankar was not served. But yesterday, he was present in court. Sankar, an attorney-at-law, is a scientific officer I attached to the Forensic Science Centre. He has three years’ training in firearms from local firearms expert Ernest Massiah and also from the Division of Criminal Investigations in Iowa, USA.

Sankar said he has examined and reported on over 600 cases involving the analysis of firearms, ammunition, crime scenes, restoration of serial numbers, distance determination and firearms identification. He said he visited the scene of the shooting at the International School at Westmoorings on November 21 and 22, 2002. He went there at the request of Inspector Stephen Ramroop. Following his visit, Sankar said he submitted three reports to ASP Terrence Badal, the investigator. One of the reports was tendered into evidence yesterday. That report dealt with his visit to the International School. When hearing continues on January 20, Sankar will continue his evidence. Chief Magistrate Sherman Mc Nicolls, sitting at the Port-of-Spain Eighth Magistrates’ Court, is hearing the inquest into the circumstances surrounding the killing of 17-year-old Phillip Seerattan at the International School on November 20, 2002. Seerattan was shot dead by police. Patricia Roberts is looking after the interest of the Seerattan family. Lydia Mendonca represents the International School, while Martin George appears for PC Gary Moore and WPC Suad Weekes. Sgt Kenneth Cordner is the prosecutor.