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By PAUL HENRY Observer Staff Reporter henryp@jamaicaobserver.com
Monday, November 16, 2009
Senior Justice Norma McIntosh has again expressed dissatisfaction with the slow pace at which the trial of the two men charged with the murder of Mandeville couple, Richard and Julia Lyn, is proceeding.
McIntosh on Friday expressed her displeasure over the snail's pace of the trial after the prosecution informed the court that a police witness, who was scheduled to give evidence, was not present.
"At this stage, I must express my dissatisfaction with the way the case is going," said McIntosh.
McIntosh complained about the constant late start of the trial and half-day sittings due to the no-show of witnesses, while expressing fear that "at this pace" the trial may run into the Christmas holidays.
The senior judge also expressed concern about the "piecemeal" way in which evidence is being given, noting that this makes the evidence hard to follow and even harder to sum up for jurors.
"I'm really not happy about the pace at which you are going," said McIntosh while, at the same time, noting that she was not blaming the prosecution.
In response to McIntosh' concern, the prosecution said that it may close its case in the coming week.
The witness, Detective Inspector Devon Harris, eventually turned, explaining that he was only informed on Friday morning that he would be needed.
Accused Lennox Swaby and Calvin Powell have been on trial since October 5 for the December 2006 murder of the Lyns.
Harris and another officer, along with a longtime friend of the Lyns', gave evidence on Friday.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Senior Justice Norma McIntosh has again expressed dissatisfaction with the slow pace at which the trial of the two men charged with the murder of Mandeville couple, Richard and Julia Lyn, is proceeding.
McIntosh on Friday expressed her displeasure over the snail's pace of the trial after the prosecution informed the court that a police witness, who was scheduled to give evidence, was not present.
"At this stage, I must express my dissatisfaction with the way the case is going," said McIntosh.
McIntosh complained about the constant late start of the trial and half-day sittings due to the no-show of witnesses, while expressing fear that "at this pace" the trial may run into the Christmas holidays.
The senior judge also expressed concern about the "piecemeal" way in which evidence is being given, noting that this makes the evidence hard to follow and even harder to sum up for jurors.
"I'm really not happy about the pace at which you are going," said McIntosh while, at the same time, noting that she was not blaming the prosecution.
In response to McIntosh' concern, the prosecution said that it may close its case in the coming week.
The witness, Detective Inspector Devon Harris, eventually turned, explaining that he was only informed on Friday morning that he would be needed.
Accused Lennox Swaby and Calvin Powell have been on trial since October 5 for the December 2006 murder of the Lyns.
Harris and another officer, along with a longtime friend of the Lyns', gave evidence on Friday.
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