Calypso queen’s trial begins in High Court

The nine-member jury hearing the evidence in the case of former calypso queen Aziza Kebret Tsgaye Clarke has been told not to allow their decision to be influenced by prejudices, bias or sympathy.

Clarke, of Bonnetts, Brittons Hill, has denied that knowing or believing that Hakeem Stuart had committed murder, assisted him by transporting him from Briar Hall to Graeme Hall in Christ Church in an act to prevent him from being apprehended on March 21, 2019.

Senior State Counsel Kevin Forde told the jury moments after the members were empanelled on Tuesday: “Put aside all emotion….Your verdict is not to be influenced by any sympathy for the deceased murdered by Ackeem Stuart, or the accused woman because of the situation in which she finds herself. You are called upon to conduct a calm and dispassionate view of the facts — those facts which you will hear in this courtroom and come to your decision based on them.” 

Forde, who is prosecuting along with acting Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Krystal Delaney, also stressed that they do not speculate and focus only on the evidence as presented.

“Resist the urge to go searching for evidence outside of this case. You are to reach a verdict only on the evidence which you have heard in this courtroom and the exhibits you have seen. You must not speculate as to what might have or might not have been. From time to time, you may hear opinions expressed on the evidence, or you may hear comments, but you are not bound by any opinions in this court.”

The State’s case is that after murdering Damien Trotman whilst at Sheraton Mall, Stuart called the accused woman, who collected him in a car in Briar Hall, was spotted and pursued by a police motorcyclist, and did not stop after he activated his siren and beacon. Clarke allegedly eventually stopped in the area of Graeme Hall, Christ Church, while Stuart fled from the car.

Senior Counsel Michael Lashley represents Clarke, along with attorneys Sade Harris and Brittany Browne. Justice Pamela Beckles presides.

The trial continues on Wednesday.