Taking no chances: In tightening up security at the Georgetown Magistrate's Court police officers have been scanning persons before they enter the court compound on the days of the preliminary inquiry into the death of cattle farmer Shafeek Bacchus. In th
The preliminary inquiry (PI) into the death of cattle farmer Shafeek Bacchus continued yesterday and two witnesses were called to the stand while tight security was in evidence around the court.
The first witness to testify before Chief Magistrate Juliet Holder-Allen was Sergeant Eon Jackson of the Criminal Investigation Department, Ballistics Section and attached to the firearm and ammunition examination section.
During Jackson's testimony, Prosecutor Simone Morris made an application for the witness to be deemed an expert after he failed to produce the necessary documents relating to his career as a sergeant.
Attorney-at-law Compton Richardson cross- examined Jackson but Vic Puran declined to do so.
Detective Inspector Lloyd Fraser who is stationed at the Alberttown Police Station was the second witness to give further evidence in chief.
During the testimony, Fraser told the court that at the time of the alleged incident he was stationed at Ruimveldt Police Station attached to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
After Fraser had completed his testimony Richardson and Puran cross-examined him.
On completion of Puran's cross-examination, Morris re-examined the witness.
Seven witnesses have so far testified at the hearing which is set to resume on June 23.
There is still tight security at the Georgetown Magistrate's Court with metal detectors being used to scan visitors who must also state their business before being permitted inside the gate.
This would be the new procedure until the end of the Shafeek Bacchus PI since for two consecutive weeks the proceedings were interrupted because of hoax calls.
Ashton King and Shawn Hinds were charged on January 16 along with Mark Thomas for the murder of Bacchus on January 5 as he sat outside his Princes Street home.
Thomas called 'Kerzorkee' of Auby's Wine bar died at the Georgetown Public Hospital in February under mysterious circumstances.