Mahendra Baijnauth was also accused of attempting to murder Ronson Gray who was shot when driving the car in which Douglas, a fellow passenger, was killed on Sheriff Street on March 1 2003.

Yesterday, Court Prosecutor Gordon Peters told Stabroek News that the DPP had issued an order for him to withdraw the charge of attempted murder against Baijnauth. He could not say why it had been removed.

On February 17, Baijnauth and fellow accused, Gerald Alonzo were ordered to stand trial in the High Court after the state had established a prima facie case of murder against both accused. The defendants have proclaimed their innocence and reserved their defence for the High Court trial.

According to the prosecutor, nothing has changed with regard to the trial which is due to start at the next criminal assizes on April 6.

The first anniversary of Douglas' death was observed on Monday. Relatives and friends went to the spot where he was shot on Sheriff Street to lay flowers.