Forensic scientist says descriptions did not match exhibits provided in Mario Deane case
Published:Monday | April 28, 2025 | 2:54 PM
A forensic scientist today told the Westmoreland Circuit Court that two exhibits she was given in the Mario Deane case did not match the descriptions written on the bags in which they had been sealed.
While testifying in the trial of Corporal Elaine Stewart and constables Juliana Clevon and Marlon Grant via the online Zoom link, Nadia Whyte, a forensic scientist attached to the Institute of Forensic Science and Legal Medicine, told the court that she was given three exhibits on August 4, 2014, the day after Deane was beaten while in custody at the Barnett Street Police Station lock-up for possession of a ganja spliff.
Whyte testified that one of the exhibits was a brown paper bag which was labelled as containing a pair of grey shorts taken from inmate Adrian Morgan. However, when she examined the item in question, she discovered it had at least three colours, including grey.
The witness further testified that she received two other exhibits in the case on August 19, 2014, one of which was labelled as containing clothing, including a khaki T-shirt. According to her, on examination, the shirt in question was beige in colour.
Under cross-examination from defence attorney Dalton Reid regarding the multicoloured shorts, Whyte said that she noted the colours while writing up the exhibit form.
The trial continues later today, with two other witnesses expected to testify via the Zoom link.
Stewart, Clevon, and Grant are charged with manslaughter and misconduct in a public office, arising from Deane's death.
Stewart is also charged with perverting the course of justice, under allegations that she ordered the cleaning of the cell where Deane was beaten, prior to the arrival of investigators from the Independent Commission of Investigations.
- Christopher Thomas
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