Sean Luke trial: Witness No 17 grilled by defence
Sean Luke -
THE Sean Luke murder trial continued on Wednesday with the cross-examination of one of the State’s main witnesses, Arvis Pradeep.
Pradeep is the 17th witness to give evidence, either orally or through written statements, at the trial of Akeel Mitchell and Richard Chatoo.
The two are charged with Luke’s murder on a date unknown sometime between March 25 and 29, 2006, at Orange Valley, Couva.
Both men opted for a judge-only trial, which is being presided over by Justice Lisa Ramsumair-Hinds.
The trial is being held virtually for the most part, although witnesses are giving evidence from one of the 23 virtual access customer centres, since court buildings are off-limits to the public, except by appointment, because of the rise in covid19 cases.
Temporary ban on publication of witness evidence to be lifted cnc3.co.tt - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from cnc3.co.tt Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Second Sean Luke accused claims case against him is fabricated
Sean Luke, 6, was murdered in 2006. -
THE second man charged with the 2006 murder of six-year-old Sean Luke has maintained his innocence.
Richard Chatoo has challenged the allegations against him, saying it is fabricated.
Chatoo’s defence statement was read out in open court on Monday when the trial resumed.
In addition to claiming the allegations against him were fabricated, he also maintained that statements police took from him were adduced as a result of oppression, trickery, force and inducement.
He maintained he was not admitting anything.
After reading out the statement, Chatoo was asked to confirm it contents and identify his signature.
Judge restricts publication of evidence from two Sean Luke witnesses cnc3.co.tt - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from cnc3.co.tt Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Judge amends media gag order in Sean Luke trial
Sean Luke. -
WEDNESDAY’S temporary gag on the media reporting of the Sean Luke trial has been amended.
While the media is still restricted from reporting any part of the evidence of Avinash Baboolal, the State’s main witness, while he is giving evidence, the temporary gag ends when his testimony and that of another civilian witness, Avis Pradeep, come to an end.
“It is not a prohibition on reporting. It is delayed reporting,” the judge said as she amended her previous order, warning, however, should the media publish any of the evidence of either man before Pradeep completes his testimony, they will run the risk of contempt proceedings being constituted.