Kingston, Jamaica — The prosecution will resolve whether or not to proceed with the homicide trial of Constable Noel Maitland after the result of three crucial purposes regarding witness testimony from abroad.
Maitland, who’s charged with the homicide of his girlfriend, 24-year-old social media influencer Donna-Lee Donaldson, was scheduled to face trial immediately within the House Circuit Court docket in downtown Kingston. Nonetheless, Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Claudette Thompson knowledgeable the court docket that the Crown needs to make particular measures purposes earlier than transferring ahead, as the choice will considerably affect whether or not the trial can start.
The purposes, searching for the court docket’s permission for witnesses to testify remotely, are set to be heard tomorrow. The defence, already served with associated paperwork, requested extra time to reply, ensuing within the court docket’s settlement to listen to the matter on the next day.
Thompson famous that the prosecution’s case depends closely on circumstantial proof, emphasizing that the testimony of each witness carries equal significance.
Maitland, who has been in custody since July 27, 2022, was additional remanded by Justice Leighton Pusey. He faces fees of homicide and stopping the lawful burial of a corpse — allegations he has persistently denied.
Donaldson went lacking on July 13, 2022, two days after she was final seen at Maitland’s Chelsea Manor condo in St Andrew. Prosecutors revealed that forensic evaluation recognized bloodstains discovered on curtains and a pair of sneakers contained in the condo as belonging to Donaldson.
In extra proof disclosed to the court docket, Maitland allegedly took a blood-soaked couch to a automotive wash on the day of Donaldson’s disappearance, claiming a relative had injured himself. A automotive wash attendant aiding with the cleansing reportedly remarked on the numerous quantity of blood, expressing shock on the scene.
Prosecutors additionally alleged that Maitland tried to steer his landlord to delete CCTV footage from the condo complicated. Moreover, cell web site evaluation indicated that each Maitland’s and Donaldson’s telephones had been situated in the identical neighborhood on the final day Donaldson’s telephone was lively.
Maitland is represented by attorneys-at-law Christopher Townsend, Chadwick Berry, Sanjay Smith, and Kaysian Kennedy Sherman.
The court docket will reconvene tomorrow to find out the result of the purposes and the following steps within the case.
