Murder accused trio causes unrest at city courts
Three murder accused prisoners yesterday created unrest at the city courts, resulting in officers there struggling to maintain control.
What began as a languid day at the courts soon erupted into a frenzy after the prison van carrying the men entered the compound.
After the van’s door was opened, murder accused Orin Arthur, Uree Varswyk and Steven Prescott stepped out and at least two pairs of handcuffs were seen flying across the Avenue of the Republic in the direction of St. Andrew’s Kirk.
As the men made their way into the holding area for prisoners, armed police took up tactical positions, with a majority guarding the entrance to the lockups.
Arguments ensued between the prisoners and police officials and as tempers flared threats began to fly.
One lawman had to be escorted from the premises after he found himself in a heated exchange with one of the prisoners.
Frustrated officers sought to restore order at the court and requested curious members of the public to clear the stairway to the courtrooms. Members of the media were specifically directed by one particular officer to go into a court, although other bystanders were not given the same direction.
A prisoner could be heard requesting to speak with members of the media, but this request was not permitted.
It is unclear what the root cause of the men’s frustrations was but calm was eventually restored after almost one hour and the men were escorted out of the compound.
Arthur, Prescott, and Varswyk are jointly charged with the murder of Guyana Geology and Mines Commission engineer Trevor Abrams, who was killed on February 27, 2015, at Little Diamond, East Bank Demerara.
It is alleged that they murdered Abrams in pursuant of an arrangement whereby money was passed as consideration for the death of the deceased.