Defence attorney walks out of court

AN ATTORNEY on the defence team for murder accused Prof Vijay Naraynsingh walked out of the San Fernando First Magistrates’ Court during hearing of the Preliminary Inquiry after deputy DPP Roger Gaspard took issue with the attorney presence to hear certain evidence from witnesses. Chateram Sinanan left the courtroom after Gaspard raised an issue about his (Sinanan) presence in court. Sinanan is one of the attorneys representing Prof Naraynsingh, who together with wife Seeromani and businessman Elton Ramasir, are charged with the murder of Dr Chandra Naraynsingh on June 29, 1994.

Gaspard told deputy Chief Magistrate Mark Wellington, during last Thursday’s hearing of the matter, Sinanan was out of “court and hearing” because his name was called by witnesses during their testimony. Gaspard said the attorney was again seated at the bar table during yesterday’s hearing even though one of the witnesses who testified last week, was recalled to continue giving evidence. Another defence attorney, Prakash Ramadhar, told magistrate Wellington that “out of an abundance of caution”, he would ask Sinanan to wait outside until that witness completed her testimony.
Even before the request was completely submitted to magistrate Wellington, Sinanan rose to his feet and said, “I will put the prosecution’s mind to rest, Your Worship.” He then walked out of the courtroom.

Yesterday’s hearing which was carded for 10.30 am, was pushed forward by three hours when Magistrate Wellington allowed defence attorneys the opportunity to attend the funeral of Dolly Nanan-Maharaj, mother of former Attorney General Ramesh Lawrence Maharaj. When proceedings got underway, Gaspard announced that the State was not going to make certain disclosures to the defence regarding certain evidence from police witness WPC Mahalia Holder.

Gaspard was about to embark on a legal submission to support his position, but defense attorney Sophia Chote told the magistrate the defence will withdraw its request for disclosure since it, “had nothing to be afraid of.” Giving evidence yesterday were two female police officers, WPC Holder and WP Cpl Hazel-Ann Patrick. WPC Holder, who began her testimony last Thursday, completed her evidence yesterday and was subjected to tedious cross-examination by Ramadhar. The inquiry hearing continues today at 10.15 am.