KINGSTON, Jamaica — The defence group for Constable Noel Maitland, who’s on trial for the homicide of his girlfriend Donna-Lee Donaldson, on Monday sought to lift the likelihood {that a} taxi driver or a stalker might have performed a job within the younger lady’s disappearance.
Maitland is being tried within the Residence Circuit Court docket for homicide and stopping the lawful burial of a corpse in reference to Donaldson’s disappearance and presumed demise in July 2022.
Donaldson, 24, was a well-liked social media influencer, swimwear entrepreneur, and customer support consultant. She was reported lacking on July 13, 2022, two days after she was reportedly picked up from her house by Maitland.
Throughout cross-examination of Donaldson’s mom, Sophia Lugg, defence legal professional Christopher Townsend questioned her about her daughter’s use of taxi companies, together with the variety of corporations she used and whether or not she had an everyday driver.
“She used a number of?” Townsend requested.
“She used three,” Lugg responded, naming the businesses.
Lugg acknowledged that her daughter repeatedly used a particular driver for transportation however admitted she didn’t present that element to the police.
The defence additionally highlighted that Donaldson actively promoted her enterprise on Instagram, modelling swimwear and lingerie. Townsend requested whether or not Donaldson had ever expressed concern about receiving inappropriate messages or being stalked on-line.
“No sir,” Lugg replied repeatedly, denying that her daughter had talked about any such experiences, though she agreed they’d an in depth relationship.
Additional within the cross-examination, Lugg revealed that her daughter had her passport in her possession when she final left house with Maitland. She mentioned Donaldson had the doc “for causes,” and famous that the younger lady’s father, who resides within the Bahamas, had not too long ago despatched her cash via a remittance company.
The courtroom additionally heard that Maitland allegedly advised Lugg he had overheard a dialog between Donaldson and her father discussing the funds.
The defence tried to introduce claims about Donaldson’s private life, suggesting that she had suffered a number of miscarriages whereas attempting to have a baby with Maitland. Lugg firmly denied any data of such issues.
“You might be conscious she’s had not one, not two, however three miscarriages,” Townsend requested.
“No sir, I’m not conscious,” Lugg replied, providing a slight smirk.
The trial continues.
