Despite a protest by member of the Defence team, Mr Basil Williams, the Court held that only two counsel from either side can question the deponents.

Seven attorneys-at-law are on record as representing Benschop while three are appearing for the Prosecution.

Special Prosecutor Sanjeev Datadin was asked to identify his two and he named Mr Anil Nandlall as the second, after the latter raised an objection about the fairness of what Williams was asking a witness.

At the time, the continuing witness, Constable Surendra Hanceram of the Presidential Guard was testifying.

Datadin explained, too, that a third associate, Mr Darshan Ramdhani is already preparing witnesses for the pre-trial proceedings.

Yesterday’s session started late because Magistrate Sohan, who travels daily from Berbice, was delayed in traffic and resumed the Bench after midday.

Hanceram, the fifth witness called since the PI began, is from the Body Protection Unit of the Presidential Security and gave his evidence-in-chief on Tuesday but remains under cross-examination.

Magistrate Sohan yesterday admonished persons entering and leaving the courtroom to do so quietly, remarking that occasional outbursts were affecting his concentration.

Benschop, who continues to be a remanded prisoner, was charged jointly with Phillip Bynoe, following the assault on the Presidential Secretariat where two protesters were shot dead last July 3 and violence and arson erupted in other parts of Georgetown.