Deputy Superintendent of Police, Richard Oliver was called upon by the prosecution to give further evidence in chief. Oliver who had testified at the last hearing on July 15 was later cross-examined by defence counsel, Bernard De Santos and Compton Richardson.

The prosecution then called on Detective Simon Reid to conclude his evidence in chief. Reid had testified at a previous hearing. De Santos later cross-examined Reid while Richardson declined.

Senior Counsel De Santos who represents the number two accused, Mahendra Baijnauth yesterday raised concerns over the absence of the prosecution’s third witness at the hearing. He told the court the two accused are imprisoned without bail and delays in the hearing are unreasonable.

De Santos said if the prosecution is experiencing difficulties and cannot get witnesses to the hearing the court should be aware. According to the defence counsel the prisoners are languishing in prison while the hearing continues to be plagued with delays.

Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions, Jo Ann Barlow who represents the prosecution said the hearing is proceeding without deferrals. Barlow said there were no adjournments since the office of the DPP formally took over the matter.

In the capacity of prosecutor, Barlow said should the prosecution have difficulty with any witness the court would know. She said the witness who was absent at yesterday’s proceedings was informed of the court date but failed to make an appearance.

Barlow said further she had at least two witnesses at every hearing, a number she deemed sufficient. In addition the prosecutor said she is cognizant of the fact that the accused are facing an offence that is not bailable.

The Chief Magistrate said it was indeed unfortunate that the witness was absent, adding that Barlow had been forthright with the court since the DPP chambers took over the matter. She told Barlow three should be the minimum number of witnesses that appear at every hearing. She noted should a witness be absent another can always testify in that witness’ place.

Police officers Gerald Alonzo and Mahendra Baijnauth were jointly charged on March 28 with the unlawful murder of University of Guyana student Yohance Douglas on March 1 of this year.

Barlow and colleague Simone Bullen appeared on the prosecution’s behalf. De Santos represents Baijnauth while Richardson represents Alonzo.