Defendant in John Terry case to be assigned legal aid

Christopher Thomas, Gleaner Writer

WESTERN BUREAU:

The man accused of the murder of John Terry, honorary consul to the British High Commission, is to be assigned legal aid counsel to represent him.

Resident Magistrate Vivienne Harris made the order when Richard Ewen appeared before the Montego Bay Resident Magistrate's Court on Tuesday.

Ewen has been charged in connection with the murder of Terry, who was found dead - as a result of strangulation - at his home in Mount Carey, St James, on September 10, 2009.

The accused has also been charged with receiving stolen property and conspiracy to murder in the same case. However, the court is considering withdrawing the conspiracy charge.

In court on Tuesday, Ewen's father told RM Harris that his son's lawyer, Michael Jordan, had indicated he would not be attending court as he had another case to handle in Kingston.

Instructions

RM Harris instructed the senior Ewen to go to the Legal Aid office on Orange Street in Montego Bay, where he is to receive further instructions.

Additionally, the investigating officer informed the court that there are still three statements to be collected in order to complete the case file. RM Harris was also told that the witnesses in the stolen property charge were not present at court.

The matter was therefore set to be heard again on Wednesday, December 1, at which time the file is expected to be completed.