Legal arguments in Dhanraj Singh trial

PRAISES for Karl Hudson Phillips, QC, followed by gruelling legal arguments characterised the Dhanraj Singh murder trial when hearing resumed in the San Fernando First Assize Court yesterday.

On Hudson-Phillip’s appointment, Justice Melville Baird jokingly remarked: “I hope it’s not a case of M’Lud referring to M’Lud.” Just back from the Netherlands where he was sworn in as a judge of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Hudson-Phillips who is defending Singh for murder, was formally welcomed by Sir Timothy Cassel, the British Queen’s Counsel who is prosecuting the former Local Government minister. Hudson-Phillips was described by Cassel as a man of renowned integrity and humanity. “I’m sure he will carry out his duties as such”. Echoing the sentiments of the lead prosecutor, Justice Baird said that Hudson-Phillips’ appointment was both pleasing to this country and the international community.

Before the court was convened yesterday morning, Cassel and Hudson-Phillips had engaged in a jovial exchange of words at the inner bar on the latter’s appointment to the ICC. “Glad to see you again Karl,” Cassel greeted Hudson-Phillips as the Queen’s Counsel walked into the courtroom. “So when do you actually start a case,” Cassel asked, to which Hudson-Phillips answered: “Probably in about a year’s time. A prosecutor is yet to be appointed.” To the amusement of defence and State attorneys in the outer bar, Cassel retorted: “Mr Rajcoomar (Ravi Rajcoomar) and I can prosecute for you.” The day’s proceedings began with the jury being ordered back into their room only minutes after they came into court. Justice Baird gave a ruling on a legal issue Hudson-Phillips’ had raised on Friday.

Arguments went on until the morning break at 11:45. When one issue was resolved and the judge gave his ruling, Hudson-Phillips raised another with the jury still out of court and hearing. The entire morning was taken up in legal submissions after which the luncheon break was taken. On resumption, Justice Baird gave a ruling on only one of the issues and as a result, the State was only able to call one witness yesterday - Kelvin Delicia. Among the witnesses expected to testify yesterday was the State’s main witness - Elliot Hypolite alias “Abdullah.” Hypolite was brought to court from his safe house under armed security to the San Fernando Police Station in the expectation that Cassel would have called him sometime yesterday. This was not to be due to Hudson-Phillips’ legal objections. Cassel told the judge that Hypolite will be brought back tomorrow. This morning when the trial resumes half an hour later than the usual 9 am scheduled time, Justice Baird will continue hearing legal arguments.