Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre Psychiatric Registrar Dr. Bolaji Babatunde, who assessed arson-accused Cordney Brian Gardiner, 29, in 2001, answered a few questions for the court, but was unable to complete his testimony. He said the notes he made at the time were recorded on the prison file, which was still at Her Majesty’s Prison.
The case is being heard by Justice Ricardo Marques, with Gawaine Ward and Eurika Wilkinson of the Attorney General’s office prosecuting.
Michael Hanna represents Gardiner, who is accused of setting a fire on Sept. 4, 2001 that destroyed the Straw Market Plaza and the Ministry of Tourism headquarters and damaged Vendue House, home of the Pompey Museum, Colony Place and Beaumont House.
Immediately after the court was called to order, Gardiner resumed making his now familiar, horn-like vocal sounds. He also still refused to be seated or confer with his attorney.
The prosecution has indicated that it has two more witnesses to call.
As Dr. Babatunde took the stand briefly yesterday, the accused avoided making eye contact, most of the time staring intently at the press table.
The doctor identified Gardiner, stating that when he saw him at the prison in 2001, it was to assess his mental competency.
As Gardiner’s unintelligible vocal sounds became louder and more intrusive, he was removed to the rear, far right of the courtroom.
Justice Marques had warned at the start of the trial that in accordance with Article 20 (2) (g) of the Constitution, Gardiner could be removed from the courtroom and the hearing proceed in his absence, if he conducted himself in such a manner as to make the continuance of the proceedings in his presence impracticable.
Dr. Babatunde said that the accused had been sent from the prison to Sandilands for a complete assessment and evaluation of his condition.
As he was unable to recall the notes he made at the time of the assessment, his testimony was postponed until Wednesday April 30 at 10 a.m.
Justice Marques ordered that the prison file be made available to the court.
By Jimenita Swain, The Nassau Guardian
