| More than a year after the death of 72-year-old Clementine Parris of 42 Robb Street, Bourda, those accused of the woman’s death are still awaiting the commencement of the pre-trial hearing that will determine whether enough evidence exists for them to stand trial in the Supreme Court.In fact, the prosecution and the defence lawyer in this matter are at loggerhead over the type of pre-trial hearing the men should receive. While the prosecution is arguing for a Preliminary Inquiry (PI) into Parris’s death, the defence lawyer for the accused is seeking a paper committal.Clementine Fiedtkou-ParrisThe paper committal may bring a speedy conclusion to the matter since witness statements would be considered and a ruling could be made based on the evidence. The PI may however, be a longer process as witnesses and experts would have to testify before the Magistrate and give evidence according to statements they gave the police.Magistrate Sueanna Lovell, who is presiding over the matter, had last May, ordered that the accused, Orin Hinds, 35, of Burnham Boulevard, Mocha, East Bank Demerara; Cleon Hinds, 34, of 23 Middle Road, Albouystown; Kevin October, 29,NBA Jerseys From China, of Second Street, Agricola, East Bank Demerara; and Roy Jacobs, 34, of Evan Street, Charlestown face a paper committal.Magistrate Lovell however went on leave and was replaced by Magistrate Faith Mc Gusty. The prosecution again sought to have a PI conducted but was met with strong objections by Defence Attorney Basil Williams who is representing the accused. Williams had argued that the ruling of the presiding Magistrate could not be overruled by a substitute.The matter was adjourned until the return of Magistrate Lovell. Yesterday brought more controversy as the prosecution and the defence continued to pursue their original stand points.Prosecutor Neville Jeffers told the court that unlike the Sexual Offences Act which stipulates the procedure for a paper committal in that particular offence, there is no procedure for a paper committal for the offence of murder. He thus informed the court that a paper committal may not be useful and asked that the court review its ruling of the paper committal.Williams, on the other hand, argued that the paper committal was adequate as it is. He said that the procedure of paper committal in sexual offences matters was already cut down by the Chief Justice since it did not adequately serve the victims. The paper committal serves swift justice, Williams added.The lawyer argued that since January of this year statements are still to be served on the accused, despite the court ordering that same be done. He continued that it is for the purpose of persons not languishing in the lock ups and for swift administration of justice that the paper committal exists.He again called for his clients to be discharged of the murder charge since it is his belief that the prosecution has no evidence against the accused. Williams also charged that the prosecution lay over the statements and serve them on his clients.When asked by the court, the prosecution said they were not in possession of statements to serve.The magistrate concluded that she would review the legislation pertaining to the use of a paper committal and will make a ruling on the way forward for pre-trial hearing on November 19.Clementine Fiedtkou-Parris was shot dead on June 30, last year. Reports said that two men entered her home and opened fire on the woman as she approached her front door to meet persons who had requested an audience with her.The men escaped in a waiting motorcar, while Parris succumbed to her wounds at the city’s hospital.Further reports said that Parris was reportedly murdered for her property since she was in a heated court battle for her residence. The accused according to the police were reportedly paid to execute the senior. It is alleged that the men were paid $400,000 to kill Parris.Other charges were also expected in this matter since the police said that the search was on for the mastermind(s). |
