Defence wraps up arguments in Mario Deane case

The defence attorneys for the three police personnel on trial in relation to Mario Deane's death in 2014 today formally closed their case in the Westmoreland Circuit Court, with no witnesses to be called to testify for the defendants.

Attorney-at-law Martyn Thomas, who is representing Corporal Elaine Stewart and Constable Marlon Grant, and attorney Dalton Reid, representing Constable Juliana Clevon, informed presiding High Court Justice Courtney Daye that they would not be calling any witnesses for their clients and would instead wrap up their arguments for the jury.

Two witnesses had been expected to testify on behalf of Stewart and Grant today. However, with the defence team closing its case, those witnesses, who were not present at court, will not be required to testify.

Meanwhile, the court has reserved ruling on an outstanding point in the prosecution's evidence regarding a lock-up administration policy that was referenced several times during the trial in relation to how inmates are treated.

The prosecution had previously unsuccessfully sought to enter the policy into its evidence against the three defendants.

Justice Daye has adjourned the trial to Monday when the prosecution will begin its closing arguments to the jury.

Stewart, Clevon and Grant are jointly charged with manslaughter and misconduct in a public office, arising from Deane's death on August 6, 2014, three days after he was beaten while in custody at the Barnett Street Police Station lock-up for possession of a ganja spliff.

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 INDECOM investigators.

- Christopher Thomas

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