2
It is but fair however to observe that the psychiatrist's
conclusions were reached after only two interviews and from information
provided by the accused himself and his sister, nonetheless the
report was valuable.
The case was listed for hearing in the March 1977 Assizes but
the accused's Counsel who was retained by the accused sought an adjournment in order to secure the services of a psychiatrist. The matter was adjourned to May but unfortunately Counsel found it inconvenient to be present as he was then engaged in St. Lucia before the Court of Appeal. It finally came on for hearing in the October
Assizes on the 3rd October, 1977 and the trial lasted until the 11th
October, 1977.
There were twenty-nine witnesses for the Crown, one of whom
had left the Colony, and three of whom were special agents from abroad. Many of these witnesses including the special agents who
were originally thought to be necessary for the purpose of identifying the accused with the offence proved to be almost unnecessary as the accused admitted and never challenged his state- ment made to the Police in which he confessed that he was the killer. In fact he testified in his own defence and repeated that confession but he also testified to certain other circumstances which if accepted would either have reduced the offence to manslaughter or gained him
his freedom.
The central theme of this case concerns some money which the deceased allegedly lost on or about the 12th January, 1977. This at least is what the accused says and there is some support for it from the said Franzel Perm. Indeed very regretfully no other witness adverts to this aspect of the case in any way but it seems safe
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.