Kwame McCoy’s trial on charges of assault and threatening language continued yesterday with two witnesses taking the stand but the defence was granted a needed adjournment after serious blunders while taking the evidence.
McCoy is charged with two counts of causing actual bodily harm and another charge of threatening language. It is alleged that on October 25, 2011, he unlawfully assaulted Clifton Stewart and Natalia Ross. On the same day, he is also alleged to have used threatening language to Stewart, thereby resulting in a breach of the peace. McCoy has denied the charges and is on self bail.
McCoy is leading his defence in the threatening language charge and yesterday was set for continuation.
When the matter was called, and witness Sergeant Delmar Jack took to the stand, acting Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry, who is presiding over the matter, enquired from the attorney whether she would be cross-examining the witnesses or taking evidence-in-chief.
The young attorney, who is attached to the chambers of Senior Counsel Bernard De Santos, indicated that it would be the latter. However, the magistrate was forced to intervene several times as the attorney kept putting questions to the witness in the manner of a cross-examination rather than taking evidence.
The magistrate noted that the lawyer was incorrectly trying to tender things as exhibits when no such foundation was laid and she was also trying to put words in the witness’ mouth.
The second of the two witnesses, Senior Superintendant Clifton Hickens, was questioned by the lawyer who again blundered on taking the evidence-in-chief. The magistrate was forced to intervene again.
After her request to consult with the witness was denied, the attorney asked for an adjournment.
The trial continues on June 29.
According to reports reaching this newspaper, the altercation between McCoy and Stewart stemmed from an argument on D‘Urban Street, Lodge in relation to the removal of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) posters. It is alleged that during the argument, McCoy struck Stewart in the head with a gun and threatened him.
Meanwhile, on the said day, in the vicinity of Robb and Albert Streets, McCoy and Ross, 22 had an altercation pertaining to the placement of political posters in the area. At some point during the altercation, McCoy allegedly jumped into his vehicle and struck down Ross, who was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital, treated and sent away.
