A scheduling conflict with a juror has resulted in a two-week delay in the ongoing murder trial of Bryan Roy Welcome, who is accused of driving over and killing his former customer.
The 12-member panel was returned to court on Friday, 24 May, where Justice Marlene Carter reminded them of their oath, and the requirement not to engage in any discussions regarding the trial.
The delay is to accommodate a juror who must travel off island.
Welcome, 39, the owner of People’s Choice groceries, admits to killing Omar Ryan during a heated confrontation on the night of 8 July 2023 – but claims it was in self-defence.
He has been charged with a single count of murder and has been on trial since last week, and took to the stand to give evidence in his own defence on Tuesday.
During his testimony, he told the court he was left in fear for his life and that of his young son who was in the passenger seat of his car, when they were confronted by Ryan.
The prosecution’s case against Welcome is that he deliberately positioned his car in line with Ryan and ran him over, with no regard as to whether Ryan would be injured or killed.
The trail resumes on 6 June at which time formal closing proceedings are expected to begin.
Welcome will remain in custody until then.
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