The trial of police constable Timothy Alexander Munroe, who has been charged in relation to the death of police K9 Baron, was delayed after a key witness in the case was unable to attend.
Munroe faces a single charge of cruelty to an animal, which he denies.
“The witness who reviewed the CCTV footage, which is crucial to the prosecution’s case, is Officer Byron Morgan, who unfortunately is off island attending to a very sensitive family matter,” said prosecutor Hema Soondarsingh.
“The Crown’s position is that subject to the defence counsel’s position and that of the court, the matter can still proceed with [animal welfare officer] Mr. Erik Bodden giving evidence instead and with Mr. Morgan’s statement read in.”
When asked what the defence would prefer, Dennis Brady who represents Munroe, replied that “no substitute for Morgan will do”.
“Normally I would cooperate in the interest of justice, but with the greatest of respect to the Crown, they can not substitute a witness that we believe to be crucial to our case for someone else,” said Brady.
“This is no mark against Mr. Bodden, but justice must be done and must be seen to be done, so no substitute for Morgan will do.”
Magistrate Vanessa Allard, who presided over the matter, agreed with Brady and added that, in any event, the court would not allow anyone to give evidence on behalf of someone else.
When explaining her decision to Munroe, Allard said, “In this case, the person who viewed the CCTV footage is Mr. Morgan, not Mr. Bodden, and therefore it is only appropriate that Mr. Morgan is called to give evidence.”
A new trial date has been set for Tuesday, 4 July. Munroe has been released on bail.
Related Videos
