BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - THE two men who were on trial this week for unlawful wounding and grievous bodily harm were on Thursday (Feb. 27) convicted on one of the charged.
The men, Roy Murray and Darrel Sutton, were found guilty of unlawful wounding and cleared of the grievous bodily harm charge. The jury was divided 11-1 on each count.
Murray and Sutton's trial began on Wednesday (Feb. 26) with the prosecution, lead by Counsel Greatess Gordon, calling four witnesses to give evidence on its behalf.
At trial, the virtual complainant - now Police Constable Lucas - testified that he was unable to identify the men who attacked him. However, the key witness in the matter, Denicia Flemming told the Court that she recognised both accused as the assailants.
The other people to testify were the investigating officer, Officer Boyd and the Doctor who treated the victim.
Following the closure of the prosecution's case, Attorney Chesley Hamilton, who represented Sutton, presented a no-case submission.
This was however dismissed by His Lordship Justice Darshan Randhani after lengthy debates on Wednesday afternoon and Thursday morning, and the case continued.
While Sutton chose not to testify or call witnesses to give evidence on his behalf, Murray took the stand in an effort to prove his innocence.
He told the Court that he was at home in Stone Fort, Challengers on the morning of the incident, and that he only left his house when he heard sirens.
He testified that he walked down to the Challengers Community Centre where he met Officer Boyd and offered his assistance to unlock the police vehicle where the keys were locked on the inside and she turned him down.
He said he was arrested a few minutes later.
During cross examination, Murray denied having any involvement in the beating of the victim and he also denied knowing Flemming.
He said he knew Sutton from childhood but did not associate with him, adding that he would see him occasionally because they lived in the same area.
Following closing arguments by Counsel on both sides and the judge’s summation, the jury retired for deliberation Thursday afternoon after which they returned with their decision.
