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Magistrate warns against witness tampering

Jan 26, 2011 News

As the Preliminary Inquiry into the Neesa Gopaul murder continues before Magistrate Priya Beharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, State Prosecutor Pritima Kissoon brought to the court’s attention that there has been an attempt to tamper with one of the witnesses in the case.
The revelation sparked significant worry among those with a vested interest in the matter.
According to Magistrate Beharry, she was informed by the Prosecutor that during the previous court hearing, Marceline Small, the wife of one of the murder accused, Jarvis Small, invited one of the prosecution’s witnesses to her home.It is unclear which of the witness she invited, but it was the same witness who in turn told the Prosecutor about the invitation.
The Magistrate told the two defence lawyers, Vic Puran, and Pamela Dos Santos, who is appearing in association with her husband Senior Counsel Bernard Dos Santos, about the developments.
Further, the Magistrate warned that “tampering with a witness” in any matter is a serious offence and the person can be charged.
In an invited comment, the State Prosecutor said that the matter has been reported to the police for action to be taken.   But a senior police official yesterday said that the matter has not been reported when this newspaper made enquiries.
Yesterday, policeman Joel David continued giving his evidence in chief concerning the matter.
He was cross examined by defence lawyer Vic Puran who is representing Bibi Gopaul.
The matter has been adjourned until February 14 for continuation.
Jarvis Small and Bibi Gopaul are accused of killing Gopaul’s 16-year-old daughter Neesa between September 24 and October 2, at Madewini on the Soesdyke/ Linden Highway.
The teen’s body was found at the abandoned Emerald Towers Resort, on the Highway on October 2. The corpse was stuffed in a large suitcase that was dumped into the Madewini Creek.
Certain articles found in the suitcase, led to the two defendants being arrested and charged with murder.
On the last occasion Barrat Samaroo was called to the witness box to give his evidence.
Samaroo, while standing in the witness dock, related a story about the dumbbells which were allegedly attached to the suitcase in which Neesa Gopaul’s remains were found.
Senior counsel Bernard Dos Santos had cross examined the witness. Also on the last occasion the magistrate had issued arrest warrants for three police witnesses.
The warrants were subsequently recalled.

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