Bristol murder trial: ‘I defended myself and struck her’

A murder accused told the High Court he acted in self-defence and never intended to harm Samara Bristol, as his trial continued before a 12-member jury.

Roger Delisle Sealy of Airy Cot, St Thomas, has pleaded not guilty to murdering Bristol between November 16 and 21, 2021.  

After the State closed its case following the testimony of the lead investigator and the back-up officer, the accused opted to give an unsworn statement from the dock of the No. 4 Supreme Court when his trial continued on Thursday morning.  

Sealy said: “I sorry for what happened. It was never my intention to hurt anyone. I went home on November 16, 2021 from work, push in the key in the door and the lock would not work. I tried five more keys, none worked. I walked to the back of the house, tried the backdoor lock, nutten ain’t work there and come back to the front and none worked. I take up a stick from in the gallery which was under construction that I was building, break out the glass closest to the lock, push in my hand and open the lock from the inside and proceeded to go inside.  

“When I get inside, not knowing anyone was there, Ms Bristol she attacked. She tell me I can’t come in de house, went in the kitchen, take up a knife and proceed to come at me, so I defend myself and I struck her and as soon as she fall to the ground, that was the last blow she received from me.”

Sealy continued: “I am not proud of what happened. I panicked. I should have called the police, but I panicked and try to conceal the body and I did move it.”  

Attorney Sian Lange then closed the defence’s case and the trial was adjourned until Tuesday when closing arguments will be made.  

Acting Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Alliston Seale SC and State Counsel Paul Prescod are prosecuting the case before Justice Laurie-Ann Smith-Bovell.  

A 12-member jury of six women and six men, along with two alternates, is hearing the evidence.  

(JB)