Massacre accused’s witness unsure of date for alibi

was unable to commence in his absence, as it was his client who was on the stand.

Justice George warned counsel that for every day he continues to be late for court, he will be fined $10,000 until the matter ends.

Hussain had failed repeatedly in his bid to seek clarification from Grantly about the reason he had given conflicting testimony regarding where his son was on the night in question.

Each time Hussain tried to ask the question, Prosecutor Goodings objected, and the judge ruled that his questions were “leading” the witness. Before eventually retiring to his seat, Hussain asked Grantly directly for the reason for his conflicting testimony regarding where his son was on the night in question. The witness then responded, “I am giving conflicting dates, ’cause the time so long, and I can’t remember.”

Before adjourning the day’s proceedings, Justice George, in issuing the usual admonition to the jurors to not discuss the case among themselves or with anyone until it has been formally handed over to them for deliberations, went on to tell them to be very careful. The trial judge, in a firm caution, told jurors to be careful to whom they speak and with whom they associate even as the matter now nears its end, while noting that it would be a waste of time and resources should the matter have to be aborted owing to anything improper.

The trial judge cautioned each juror that whatever verdict they will arrive at as a jury, has to be their sole decision.

The case continues this morning at the High Court in Georgetown, where Dennis is expected to call his remaining witnesses. Thereafter, Simon is expected to lead his defence.

The charges against the accused are that they murdered Lance Corporal Zaheer Zakir, and Constables Shane Fredericks and Ron Osborne, as well as Edwin Gilkes, Dexter Adrian, Irving Ferreira, Deonarine Singh, Ronald Gomes, Ashraf Khan, Abdool Yasseen, Errol Thomas, and Baldeo Singh.