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Swiss House Cambio boss murder…Prosecution faces two-week deadline for remaining witnesses
…as two more take the stand
As the Preliminary Inquiry (PI) into the death of former Swiss House Cambio Managing Director Farouk Razac continued yesterday, Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry forewarned the Prosecution that if in two weeks it fails to produce its remaining witnesses, it will be called upon to close its case.
Accused:
Carol Ann Lynch
For a second time, Razac’s wife, Carol Ann Lynch, is facing a charge for his May 7, 2007 murder at their Lot 106 Ireng Place, Bel Air Park, Georgetown residence.
The PI got underway on April 4, last, in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, and a total of 17 witnesses have so far testified.
During yesterday’s proceedings, the Prosecution led by Corporal Bharat Mangru, who is attached to the Chambers of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), called Dr. Bob Ramnauth and Superintendent Stephen Greaves to offer sworn testimonies.
Dr. Ramnauth who, in 2007, was a general medical practitioner at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) told the court of the part he played in the matter. Also, Superintendent Greaves who was at that time attached to the crime laboratory at the Headquarters of the Criminal Investigations Division (CID), Eve Leary, as a forensic analyst, related the role he played in the investigations.
They were both cross examined by Defence Attorney Peter Hugh who represents Lynch in association with Attorney Latchmie Rahamat. The Prosecution declined to re-examine both witnesses’ testimony.
At the beginning of the pre-trial matter it was indicated that the Prosecution will be calling on 21 witnesses to testify. At a subsequent hearing the number shifted to 22, but it was yesterday revealed that the total now stands at 23.
So far the court has heard sworn testimonies from the couple’s friend Sharon Sanmogan; their fitness trainer, Karan Dutt; surveillance system technician Joseph Chung; and her brother Robert Lynch Junior. Her teenage daughter; parents Robert Senior and Edith Lynch as well as her brother Robert Junior and niece Melissa Watson have also testified. The brother of the deceased Fazeel Razac also gave evidence, as did Detective Inspector Ray Geness, Sergeant Lillian Scotland, retired Inspector Sydney Charles and Dr. Sheik Hassan Amir.
At yesterday’s hearing, Hugh requested the prosecution to reveal the current status of its witnesses.
Corporal Mangru, in response, said that with respect to the remaining witnesses who have so far failed to show, telephone and radio messages as well as summons were sent out for them but “to date there has been no return of service and none have appeared in court.”
A total of six ‘calls’ were made for those absent witnesses: Denise Taylor, Gregory Melbourne, Ian Peters, Princess Bizette, Shawn Belfield and Lawrence Wayne.
At that point, the Prosecution asked the court to grant a “final adjournment for two weeks.”
Supporting his application, Mangru said “Your worship, efforts have been made to have the witnesses come forth and testify. Considering the nature of the offence, I urge the court to find my application for an adjournment date a reasonable one.”
His application, however, was met with sharp objections from the defence who urged the court to quash the request since “interest must also be balanced with that of the person charged. The Prosecution has not indicated what the police will now do.”
“They have sent telephone and radio messages as well as summons, what else can they do? If there is something, why haven’t they done it already?”
“It is unfair for the Prosecutor to come and ask for more time when my friend knew since January that he was supposed to have the witnesses here for the commencement of the preliminary inquiry in early April.”
“In fact your worship, I’m humbly urging the court to call on the Prosecution to close its case,” Hugh proposed.
Responding, the Chief Magistrate informed that she will grant the Prosecution two more weeks.
Addressing the Prosecution, she indicated “At that time, if you don’t have the remaining witnesses I am going to call on you to close your case.”
Joining, the defence indicated that at the next hearing they will be making their no-case submission. Hugh expressed hope that the Prosecution will be in a position to respond on that date.
The case will be called again on May 9.
>>>>>>>>>>
Picture Saved in Friday as Carol Ann Lynch
Caption:
Picture Saved in Friday as Farouk Razac
Caption: Dead: Farouk Razac
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