The presiding judge at the Berbice Assizes yesterday adjourned a murder trial for one week after the State counsel who had just been reassigned to the Ancient County requested time to interview witnesses in the case.

State Counsel Ganesh Hira  informed  Justice Claudette La Bennett at the commencement of the February  criminal sessions that following  his return from the Essequibo Assizes on Monday, he was reassigned to the Ancient County. As a result the lawyer  sought   an adjournment  in order  to   interview witnesses in the case of the State versus Balmiki  Shamidhar, alias ‘Mice’, who is indicted for murder. The  adjournment was granted to Monday.

Twenty-six cases are listed for hearing during this period which will conclude in June. Ten arrest warrants have been issued for  offences ranging from manslaughter, causing grievous bodily harm, rape, indecent assault, possession of a firearm without licence, and falsification of accounts and embezzlement. Seven accused men are on bail while eight are in custody.

Meanwhile, the February sessions commenced  earlier with the traditional parade by twenty-five ranks, headed by Assistant Superintendent of  Police A. Brutus from the Central Police Station and the salute was taken by Justice La Bennett.