The trial in the murder of night club manager Joy Cartwright was adjourned early on Monday as lawyers discussed “issues” in chambers.
A jury in the case had not yet been selected when court adjourned.
The case has taken six years to come to court after accused murderer Ashley Newbold was believed to have fled to the United States.
Justice Ricardo Marques asked the panel of 40 people to return to court today.
“Ladies and gentlemen while I appreciate your attendance here this morning, a certain matter has arisen which concerns a number of issues which would necessitate them being discussed in chambers. It has been decided that it would be best for you to leave and come back to court tomorrow, and so therefore we will take an adjournment and ask you to return to court tomorrow at 10 a.m.,” said Justice Marques.
Some potential jurors sighed and laughed after hearing the news.
After the charge of murder was read, Newbold pleaded not guilty. He appeared weak and nervous as he stood, holding on the bars of the prisoner’s dock to brace himself.
The charge alleges that on Sept. 20, 1996, Newbold shot and killed 601 nightclub manager Ms Cartwright. A nervous Newbold wore a red plaid shirt and black denim jeans as he slowly walked to the Supreme Court building, represented by lawyers Kenneth Toppin and Michael Foulkes. Representing the Crown are lawyers Bernard Turner and Sandradee Gardiner.
Trial in nurse’s murder resumes
In Supreme Court news, the murder trial of Nurse Joan Lunn resumed before Justice Anita Allen with re-examination of Inspector Anthony Ferguson.
On trial for murder is Kendon Brown, 30, and Monte Thompson, 35, is on trial for conspiracy to commit murder.
The Crown alleges that last July 7, Brown and others killed Ms Lunn.
Brown’s lawyer, Langton Hilton, suggested to Insp. Ferguson that investigation officers held a plastic bag over Brown’s head and beat him in an attempt to force him to confess.
He further accused Insp. Ferguson of fabricating evidence against his client, failing to advise Brown of his constitutional rights and not allowing Brown the opportunity to contact his lawyer. Mr. Hilton said the evidence against his client is not credible.
Insp. Ferguson denied the allegations made by Mr. Hilton, saying that he would not profit by lying. The Crown is represented by lead attorney Francis Cumberbatch and Neil Brathwaite.
By Sean Inniss, The Nassau Guardian
