Defendant refuses to appear in court as case drags on

(CNS): A 41-year-old man from George Town, who has been on remand in HMP Northward for more than a year as a result of his on-going difficulties with appointed counsel, refused to come to court Friday when his case was set for mention in the Grand Court ahead of his trial this month. Garry Hurlston is charged with attempted murder following a stabbing June, in which Wesley Clarke received a serious stab wound to his neck and remains in hospital. Hurlston began a trial in April, but part way through he sacked his attorney, John Furniss, and the matter was adjourned. Now unrepresented, Hulston has said he wishes to mount his own defence with the assistance of Furniss.

On Friday the local lawyer told the judge that he was willing to assist Hurlston throughout his trial but he would not be willing to represent him as counsel.

Hurlston is accused of stabbing Clarke during an altercation at a party in the Windsor Park area during the early hours of 21 June last year. Hurlston continues to claim his innocence and has denied ever stabbing the victim. A friend of Clarke, who was also a witness, reported that Clarke grabbed his neck and shouted, "They killed me!" just after the two men were seen arguing. The victim was taken to the hospital immediately following the incident but slipped into a coma. Clarke has been in an unresponsive state connected to a life support machine since and it is reported that he did not name his assailant before he lost consciousness.

Throughout this case, Hurlston has had multiple trial conflicts and personal disagreements with his many attorneys but during his last appearance he explained that he wants this matter "disposed of as soon as possible".