The preliminary inquiry (PI) into the murder of Sonobia James, who was allegedly killed by her female partner Tiffany Clarke, commenced yesterday before acting Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.
Deborah Leander, mother of the deceased who was called by the prosecution, was the first witness to take the stand and testify. The prosecution informed the court that it has about eight witnesses to testify in the case.
Moments before the inquiry started, however, the Magistrate explained to Clarke and her attorney that the matter against her would be discharged and then re-read to her. The Magistrate explained that the woman had been charged under a repealed law and as such the charge was regarded null and void.
After being read the charge, Clarke was reminded that she was still not required to plead to the capital offence.
The matter was adjourned to May 18 for continuation of the inquiry.
The allegation against Clarke is that on February 26, at the Red Dragon Night Club, she murdered James.
The prosecution contends that the accused and James, who shared an intimate relationship, were at the night club when the deceased observed the Clarke talking to another woman. The prosecution claims that James approached Clarke and argument ensued, during which the accused whipped out a knife and stabbed James to the neck.
The injured woman collapsed to the ground and was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where she was pronounced dead on arrival.
James, 25, of Rasville Housing Scheme, was a mother of two.
