Defense counsel schooled in objection protocol

An attorney championing the cause for murder accused Errol “Errie” Barnes was yesterday told his objection to prosecution’s opening statement was inappropriate.
Crown Counsel 1, Adlai Smith was addressing the 12-member jury and two alternates selected to determine Barnes’ fate and what they would likely hear during the trial, when attorney Lawrence Daniel interjected, suggesting that Smith was testifying, when that evidence had not even been presented in court yet.
Justice Iain Morley determined that Smith’s address was appropriate, even though Daniel repeatedly objected.
“Mr Daniel, I have already told you that what Mr Smith is saying is not wrong. This objection is misconceived. Don’t say anything further, unless you have something better to say. Please stop interrupting,” the judge told defense counsel.
Daniel was appointed by the court to represent the former national footballer, of Nut Grove, who is accused of killing his former girlfriend and mother to his then 11-month old daughter on September 5, 2012, in a jealous rage after the college student had ended their relationship more than a month earlier.
Melissa Rose was shot outside her John Hughes home while she was sitting inside Barnes’ former boss’ Toyota Hilux truck.
The Emergency Medical Services responded to the scene and the shooting victim was placed in an ambulance, but the then 19-year-old had already expired.
Smith continued to tell the jury that although emotions are high and they may feel sympathy for the victim and or the accused, their decision should only be influenced by what is presented in the High Court during the murder trial.
The jury was further told that neither should anything they may have read or heard of the shooting death, given that the crime garnered much media coverage based on the domestic violence nature, should prejudice the accused.
The justice warned the jury that they should not research or entertain any discussion about the case, outside of the empaneled jury while they are all together.
(More in today’s Daily Observer)