Two murder accused were discharged yesterday morning when they appeared before Justice Navindra Singh following the opening of the October assizes, which also marked the resumption of criminal jury trials at the High Court in Georgetown since Guyana was hit by the Coronavirus pandemic back in March.
In separate cases, both Desmond James and Keron Taylor were freed after the judge upheld no-case submissions made by their attorneys—Mark Conway and Nigel Hughes respectively.
In the circumstances, the judge directed the respective juries empanelled to hear and decide the cases, to return formal verdicts of not guilty, thereafter discharging the men.
In the case of James who had been incarcerated over the 2014 fatal stabbing of Glendon Cox at 4 Miles Arakaka Village, North West District; Stabroek News understands that the main witness has been missing for some years now.
Meanwhile, as it relates to Taylor, the main witness to testify against him is currently in prison for murder as well, but has refused to give evidence.
Taylor was accused of the murder of East Ruimveldt resident Senassie Lewis, who was gunned down in September, 2015, in front of the Ghetto Flex nightspot in Albouystown.
Taylor had been jointly-charged with Clive Forde also known as “El Sinkie,” who had escaped from the Lusignan Prison and was shot and killed back in 2017 in a confrontation with Joint Services.
In both matters the State was represented by Prosecutor Tuanna Hardy.
In a bid to stem the spread of the Coronavirus, the hearings yesterday saw enforcement of COVID-19 guidelines such as social distancing and the wearing of face masks by those present in the courtroom.
The prisoners were not transported to the courthouse as is the norm, but rather joined the proceedings virtually from the prisons.
The judge and court staff were behind protective screens and Stabroek News understands that there was regular sanitizing at intervals.
Flat screen televisions were also mounted in the courtroom on which the judge, prisoner and witnesses were projected.
Trials are set to continue this morning.
