Parika shallow grave murder PI…

 Murder accused to know fate today

The fate of murder accused Godfrey Smith is expected to be decided today after the prosecution closes its case with the testimony of its final witness, Inspector Leitch.

Leitch turned up at the Leonora Magistrate's Court yesterday after the prosecution threatened to issue an arrest warrant for him.

Smith was arraigned for the murder of boat mechanic, Deonarine Prahalad whose mutilated, bullet-riddled body was found under a heap of sand at Hamburg Beach .

Leitch testified about his involvement in the investigation and under cross-examination revealed that he was instructed to charge Smith.

Attorney-at-Law Neil Boston then made a no-case submission, but the prosecution replied that they were relying on the evidence led at the preliminary inquiry.

Principal Magistrate Oscar Parvatan commented that there really was no cogent evidence, and instructed the accused that he had no case to answer.

He requested an adjournment to sum up the evidence and prepare a decision.

The case was transferred to the Vreed-en-Hoop Magistrate's Court for today when a decision is expected.

Those who have already testified are Detective Sergeant Joel David, Detective Inspector Hugh Jessamy and brother of the deceased, Ramlakhan Prahalad.

Friday - July 22, 2005

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