Murder accused Cyon Collier yesterday declared that he is “innocent of this charge,” when he opted to give an unsworn statement from the dock as his trial continued before Justice Winston Patterson.
It is alleged that Collier, known as ‘Picture Boy,’ murdered Chandrapaul Persaud, 34, called ‘Kero Man,’ on September 30, 2006. Persaud was shot by one of three gunmen who launched an attack on him outside his Non Pareil, East Coast Demerara home, minutes after he drove his vehicle into the yard.
Collier was given the choice to remain silent, give a sworn statement from the stand or to give an unsworn statement from the dock. He opted for the last option, which would not permit anyone to question him.
The accused, in his statement, said he never robbed anybody and he was not at Persaud’s house. He added that he was in Linden on the day of the robbery.
Collier explained that he had only gone to the house where he was found at Bachelor’s Adventure the night before his arrest and knew of no guns, thus the reason he willingly opened the door on the police’s request. He stated that he was immediately restrained with handcuffs behind his back and was placed face-down on the ground.
He disputed claims of leading Assistant Superintendent of Police Michael Kingston or any other rank to the bedroom, where the weapons and ammunition were discovered. “While on the ground, I heard, supposing the police, banging on the door in the house,” he indicated.
Collier further stated that he was placed on an identification parade by persons from the Brickdam lockups, but said he was never picked out of that exercise by anyone. He then thanked Justice Patterson before taking a seat.
Defence Counsel Lyndon Amsterdam made a request to call an “expert witness” and indicated to the court that arrangements for this individual to attend court will be concluded over the weekend. He assured the court that this witness will be no more than 30 minutes, after which he will assess his case.
State Prosecutor Judith Gildharie-Mursalin had no objection and the matter was adjourned to Monday, October 31.
