Koury murder accused in court

An hour and a half after their arrival, the accused appeared before Magistrate Indra Ramoo-Haynes in the Tunapuna First Court. Standing expressionlessly before the magistrate, the accused were also surrounded by more than ten police officers who were on duty at the court. As the proceedings began, Ramoo-Haynes read the charge of murder to 21-year-old Sean James of Kelly Street, Tunapuna, and 25-year-old Kaleb Neville Donaldson of Rockley Vale, Tobago.

The indictable charge stated that the two men murdered Koury in Macoya on September 23, and the men were not called on to plead. The two men were also charged with the kidnapping of Samlal on the same day in the Caroni area. Arising out of that matter, the two men were also charged with robbery and the use of violence. Also charged with Donaldson were brothers Gary and Clint Ambrose, Terry Moore, and 26-year-old Jerome Murray of Scarborough, Tobago. The charge laid against the men stated that on September 21, the men were found to have in their possession a 9mm pistol and eight rounds of ammunition at La Resource Road, D’Abadie. After the charges were read, attorneys representing the accused wasted little time in applying for bail for their clients.

Attorney representing the Ambrose brothers, who live at La Resource Road, D’Abadie, told the court that the brothers have no previous convictions.

The attorney explained that the men were partly educated both in Tobago and England, and were currently furthering their education at the Cipriani College of Labour Studies. "These two men are of impeccable character," the attorney submitted.

Attorney Aden Stroude, who has been appointed to seek the interest of the State, objected to the magistrate fixing bail for the accused, insisting the main reason was that the men were all still part of ongoing police investigations.

After additional arguments by defence attorneys, Ramoo-Haynes dismissed the applications made on behalf of the accused.

"Bail is not always an absolute right. The court must take into consideration that the gun is the source for bloodshed in the society and it is in this case that I am refusing bail," said the magistrate. The accused were reminded by the magistrate of their right to apply to a judge in chambers for bail.

The charges relating to the possession of arms and ammunition were transferred to the Arima Magistrates’ Court, while the kidnapping matter was transferred to the Chaguanas Magistrates’ Court.

The six men will reappear in the Tunapuna Magistrates’ Court on October 5 when hearing of the murder charge resumes.