BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – AS the wounding with intent case brought against former Defence Force soldier Louis Richards inches to a close, the empanelled jury was read the statement he provided police following the incident.
Since early last week, Richards has been standing trial for the August 3, 2007 wounding of Addren Searles of Old Road with intent to do him grievous bodily harm and wounding Jevon Woodley of Old Road with intent to do him grievous bodily harm. The offences took place at the 2Pac Bar, also known at Lovers Bar (located on the island’s main road in Old Road) and the eastern side of Old Road respectively.
The prosecution alleges that Richards shot Searles while he was in the vicinity of the 2Pac Bar and, minutes later, shot Woodley while he was at the eastern end of Old Road.
According to the lead investigator in the case, retired Sergeant Wingrove Herbert, Richards presented him a prepared statement which, after reading it, was signed by him, Richards and other parties present.
The statement indicates that sometime between 8:15 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. while Richards was seated at a table in the 2Pac’s Bar along with others in proximity, he heard a sound similar to that of gunfire. The statement further indicates that Richards saw persons taking cover and while he was about to do the same, another sound of gunfire was heard.
Richards claimed in the statement that during the shooting he saw two individuals, whom he identified at Searles and Woodley, in the alley from where the shots came and they were each carrying a firearm. He further alleged that as he emerged from the place where he took cover, he drew his pistol and someone indicated to him that he was shot. At that point, the statement explains, Richards saw Searles coming from the direction where the gunshots were fired with a firearm in his hand pointing at him.
The statement further indicated that after Richards fired a shot at Searles, he received assistance from fellow Defence Force soldiers who accompanied him to the eastern side of Old Road, where he met Woodley.
The statement also indicated that while Woodley was seated with others, Richards and the Defence Force soldiers approached him and he stood up and declared that he was not afraid of anyone. Richards further explained in the statement that Woodley hoisted his shirt as if to remove something, and because he had seen him earlier that night with a firearm, he was afraid. The former soldier further explained in his statement that he drew his weapon and shot Woodley.
Herbert, while being cross examined by defence counsel Jason Hamilton, explained to the court that he made investigations into the incident and preferred charges against Richards in connection with the shooting of Searles and Woodley. He also indicated that he made inquiries into Richard’s wounding and no credible information was obtained which could have led to the arrest of a suspect.
Hamilton suggested to Herbert that while Richards was hospitalised he gave him the names of the individual whom he believed shot him. To this suggestion, Herbert claimed that it was not true.
Another allegation which Herbert denied was that Richards, from were he was seated just moments before being shot, was positioned in such a way that he was able to see through a particular alley - the area from where the shots were believed to have been fired.
Richard’s case continues today when the prosecution is expected to close its case. Following this, Richards will receive an opportunity to take the stand and or call witnesses.
