Anglin’s trial could prove expensive, says lawyer

(CNS): Defence counsel for Devon Anglin raised concerns on Friday following her client’s not guilty plea that delays to the start of his trial for the murder of Carlos Webster could prove expensive if lead counsel has to be kept in Cayman over the court’s Christmas break. Devon Anglin formally answered charges in the Grand Court to the fatal shooting of Webster in the Next Level night club on West Bay Road more than two years ago and his trial was set down to start on 1 December. Anglin’s attorney pointed out that the trial, which was originally scheduled for 28 November, was already very close to Christmas and a further three day delay could see the hearing broken by the holidays, leaving expensive decisions to be made over costs for the UK lawyer. (Photo courtesy of Cayman27)

Anglin is charged with shooting Webster, who died from a single gunshot wound to the head in the middle of a busy Seven Mile Beach nightclub in September 2009 in what police believe to be a gang related killing in connection with the West Bay feud between the Logwoods and Birch Tree Hill crews.

Lucy Organ of Samson McGraw objected to the prosecution counsel’s application for the three day delay made to the court by Elizabeth Lees from the public prosecutor’s office as she said the trial was already very close to the court’s Christmas closure. If the trial was not completed before the holidays then questions would arise over what should happen to the instructed leading counsel coming to defend the case from London, Organ noted, adding that the lawyer would either need to be kept on islands over the holidays or flown back home and back out again, either of which could prove expensive.

Crown counsel told the court that Director of Public Prosecutions Cheryl Richards, QC, has had continued conduct of the case, which has considerable sensitivities because of an anonymous witness order, and it would not be possible for the office to instruct another leading counsel. Leessaid that Richards was also forced to lead in a Grand Court appeal case that same week, which could not be moved as a result of accommodating not only the appeal court but also three different lawyers from overseas.

Lees also asked defence counsel to warn the court if the defendant was planning to elect a judge alone trial as the court would need to make special provision for the anonymity order should Anglin decide to by tried by a jury.

Organ pointed out to the court that such a decision would not to be made until 21 days before the start of the trial and her client needed to discuss the issue with his lead counsel.

Presiding judge, Justice Alex Henderson, allowed the delay and agreed that no decision on the mode of trial was required as it would be assumed, unless otherwise indicated by the defendant, that he would face a jury.