Accused murderer returns to court
Ibrahim Al Ahmad had new lawyer representing him on charges of kidnapping and murdering St. John’s woman
Accused murderer Ibrahim Al Ahmad appeared in court Thursday, April 11, with a new lawyer and a list of questions to ask him, but no translator.
Al Ahmad attended his scheduled provincial court date by video from Her Majesty’s Penitentiary.
He has been in custody since March 5, when he was charged with kidnapping and first-degree murder in the death of a St. John’s mother of five, whose body was found by police in an abandoned home in Logy Bay-middle Cove-outer Cove.
TRANSLATOR NO-SHOW
“Are you able to understand what I’m saying?” Judge Paul Noble asked Al Ahmad.
“Not very well, sorry,” the accused replied.
An Arabic interpreter has been present for Al Ahmad’s previous court appearances and had been scheduled to be in court Thursday, but was a no-show.
After trying to locate her, Al Ahmad’s lawyer, Jason Edwards, suggested proceedings go ahead anyway.
DISCLOSURE
Edwards was recently given the case and said he has received some of the disclosure, while the rest will be available next week.
Prosecutor Kellie Cullihall said the Crown will need time to review the information once it receives it from the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary. The matter will be called again on May 3.
“I spoke with my client. He understands what we’re doing here today,” Edwards said, asking the court to adjust the camera so Al Ahmad could see him.
“I would like him to understand overall. He is confused by the whole process.”
“Do you have any questions?” the judge asked the accused after explaining what was happening.
“Yes, please. I have many,” Al Ahmad replied, holding up a piece of paper.
The judge told him that his lawyer would be in touch after court.
Edwards requested a note be made in Al Ahmad’s file to have an interpreter present for all his appearances in the future.
THE CASE
The victim was last seen alive in the Virginia Park neighbourhood around 8:30 a.m. March 5. Her body was located about an hour-and-a-half later.
At the time, Al Ahmad had been released about six weeks earlier on bail with 14 charges of violence against the woman and others, which he is still facing, including multiple counts of assault with a weapon, uttering threats, causing bodily harm by choking, assault, and forcible confinement.
The Crown had been opposed to his release.
The court had also granted Al Ahmad bail on charges of assault with a weapon and uttering threats in December after police responded to a call for help from the woman, who said someone was going to kill her.
Her name is banned from publication in relation to the charges laid in December and January.
Her loved ones, some of whom attended a public vigil in her honour late last month, are calling for an inquiry into her death.