The Tribune

By LAMECH JOHNSON

Tribune Staff Reporter

ljohnson@tribunemedia.net

KOFHE Goodman’s attorney told a Supreme Court judge he intended to call the purported father of Marco Archer as a defence witness.

During continued cross-examination of Constable Denrea Johnson yesterday, Geoffrey Farquharson told the court a man seated in the audience of the courtroom may be a witness in the case and should not be there.

The attorney called the name ‘Hartley Archer’ and said the name so far as he was aware belonged to the purported father of Marco Archer.

“He is likely to be a witness and should not be in here,” Mr Farquharson said.

Goodman, 37, of Yorkshire Drive, faces a murder charge, which he denies. It is claimed that between September 23 and 28 of 2011, he intentionally and unlawfully caused the death of Marco Archer who disappeared from Brougham Street and was found dead days later.

Justice Bernard Turner asked Garvin Gaskins, Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions, as to whether or not the Crown intended to call the man who was singled out as a witness in their case.

“No,” the Deputy DPP said.

Mr Farquharson claimed the man was Marco Archer’s purported father.

Justice Turner told Mr Farquharson that the court was open to the public and was not to exclude a member of the public from the proceedings.

Mr Farquharson said ‘Hartley Archer’ was referred to in the evidence of a prosecution witness and he was concerned about the potential for him to mingle with the family outside of court, who are witnesses.

“We will not engage in speculation, Mr Farquharson,” said Justice Turner.

Asked by the judge if he was implying his intention to call said man as a witness, the attorney replied that he didn’t know if the case would get to the point that it would require his testimony, adding: “If we get that far, we will call him.”

Justice Turner called the man forward and told him of the defence’s intention.

Mr Archer said: “I don’t know nothing he could call me for.”

Justice Turner indicated that considering the court could not inquire as to why the defence sought to call him as witness, Mr Archer should exit the courtroom and remain outside for the trial’s duration.