Police Constable Terrence Wallace was yesterday committed to stand trial in the High Court for the murder of Eccles teen, Shaquille Grant who was shot in Agricola.
Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry before whom the accused appeared, informed him that a prima facie case had been made out against him and as such he was committed to stand trial for the teen’s murder.
When given a chance to speak, Wallace who on the advice of his attorney elected to give an unsworn statement from the docks said; “I am innocent of the charge and will reserve my witnesses for the High Court.”
The accused was then informed by the court that his trial will commence in the High Court of the Supreme Court of Judicature at the January 2013 sitting of the criminal assizes.
After handing down her ruling, the presiding magistrate informed Wallace that he could elect to remain silent, remain in the docks and give an unsworn statement in which the prosecution is not allowed to ask him any question or he could give a sworn statement from the witness box in which the prosecution can ask him question.
After being told of the options available to him, attorney Sonia Parag who represented the accused indicated that her client would enter the witness box.
After being asked by the court if that was the course of action the defence wanted to take, counsel however requested a few minutes to consult with her client.
This request was granted by the court and Parag subsequently informed that her client would remain in the docks and give an unsworn statement.
It was then that Wallace said that he was innocent of the charge levelled against him and that he would reserve his witnesses for the High Court.
Wallace who stood calmly in the docks appeared expressionless as the ruling was being handed down.
The magistrate then thanked both the prosecution and defence for their submissions and the prosecution for ensuring the availability of witnesses when need by the court which aided in the early conclusion of the preliminary inquiry.
The allegation against Wallace is that on September 11 at Caesar Street Agricola, he murdered Shaquille Grant.
Grant, 17, of Lot 72 ‘BB’ Eccles, East Bank Demerara, was on September 11 fatally shot by members of the Guyana Police Force at Agricola, East Bank Demerara, where enraged residents later confronted lawmen over their actions.
Constable Wallace was subsequently charged with the murder, while arrest warrants have been issued for Lance Corporal Warren Blue and Special Constable Jamal Lewis.
