New trial for cosmetologist

A new trial was ordered for 42-year-old cosmetologist, Janet Douglas, of Zaidie Gardens, St. Andrew, who was convicted in May 2005 for the murder of the wife of a policeman.



Douglas was convicted in the Home Circuit Court of the murder of 32-year-old dressmaker, Isloyn McGill, of Cornpiece District near Hayes Clarendon.



The Crown had led evidence at the trial that jealousy was the motive for the murder because Douglas had a love affair with police, Corporal Glen McGill who was the dead woman’s husband.



The body of the deceased was found in bushes with stab wounds at Hilly field District in Clarendon on November 24, 2000.



Douglas was convicted of the murder and sentenced to life imprisonment.



It was recommended that she should serve 25 years before parole.



The Court of Appeal ordered a new trial because of a protracted dialogue between the trial judge and the prosecutor as to what was the evidence.



The Court said the dialogue took place in the presence of the jury and the court said that should not have happened.



Reference was made to comments made by the judge on the failure of the applicant Douglas to respond to certain questions posed by the police.



It was the court\'s ruling that those aspects of the case had a negative impact on the fairness of the trial.



A new trial was ordered in the interest of justice.