Wayne Matthew takes the stand; Suffered temporary memory loss!
By Terresa McCall
Reporter-SKNVibes.com
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Wayne Matthew
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BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - WAYNE Matthew, number two accused in the case of the attempted murder of Defence Force Corporal Joseph Bergan, did very little yesterday to convince the jury that he was not the man behind the gun used to shoot the soldier.
Matthew, who along with Maluska Williams, is accused of shooting Bergan while he was providing security for a CEMACO delivery truck on Friday, December 2, 2005. The incident occurred at Lodge Village; however, the two accused were not arrested until May 2006.
According to the prosecution’s evidence, Matthew shot the soldier in his neck and left him for dead while Williams snatched his (Bergan) weapon and fled the scene.
Matthew took the stand yesterday and told the court that he could not remember where he was on Friday, December 2, 2005 between the hours of 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p. m.
He also told the court that the evidence given in court by Maluska’s brother, Reese Williams, and the statement of Nigel ‘Daffy’ Henry that was read in court, are nothing but lies. Reese, while under oath, explained that he, having visited the home of Wayne Matthew after the incident, met him there along with Maluska.
He also said while at Wayne’s home, he was told that he (Wayne) had shot the soldier and Maluska retrieved the soldier’s firearm from his person after he was wounded.
Although the prosecution had closed its case on Tuesday, “rebuttal evidence” was heard by the court when Sgt. James Tyson was called to the witness stand. This evidence was bought in after Maluska claimed that he was offered “a deal” by Sgt. Tyson. At first, Maluska said the deal was that he would testify against Wayne Matthew, be freed of all charges and become a Crown witness.
He later changed his story and told the court the deal was that he should implicate himself in the incident and the charges against him would be dropped and he would become a Crown witness. ~~Adz:Right~~
Sgt. Tyson, while on the witness stand, categorically denied that he offered anyone any deal.
“You is a liar!” Maluska erupted, seemingly peeved at Tyson’s testimony. After being warned by presiding judge Justice Francis Belle, Maluska apologised for his behavior and Tyson’s testimony continued.
He further stated that as far as he knows, the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) is the individual who decides who would or would not become a witness for the Crown.
Today at court, both defence and prosecution are expected to sum up their evidence in the case, after which His Lordship Belle will do the same.
The jury is expected to reach a verdict before the close of the day.
