The preliminary inquiry into the death of University of Guyana student Yohance Douglas continued yesterday before Acting Chief Magistrate Juliet Holder-Allen with the prosecution calling on two of its witnesses to take the stand.
Attorneys-at-law Jo-Ann Barlow and Candace Raphael, both attached to the office of the Director of Public Prose-cutions (DPP), appeared on behalf of the prosecution.
The prosecution’s first witness yesterday was detective corporal Simmon Reid, one of the investigating ranks in the case. Corporal Eon Jackson attached to the Police Crime Lab, Criminal Investigation Department (CID) was the prosecution’s second witness. The inquiry continues on June 24.
Paul Broomes, Douglas’ uncle had previously testified as the prosecution’s first witness. The proceedings, which commenced in the absence of a special prosecutor from the DPP chambers, were later deferred when the DPP’s office requested an adjournment.
At that hearing on May 23 the Acting Chief Magistrate said the absence of the prosecution in the case could lead to proceedings in the High Court.
She noted it was difficult to proceed when the accused were present and the accusers were not and added that had it been a summary matter it would have been dismissed for want of prosecution.