By FARRAH JOHNSON
Tribune Staff Reporter
fjohnson@tribunemedia.net
A MAGISTRATE yesterday discharged the man accused of defaming Progressive Liberal Party leader Philip “Brave” Davis after the prosecution’s main witnesses failed to attend his trial to give evidence.
Oswald Poitier was charged with intentional libel after he was accused of recording and distributing a voice note of himself accusing Mr Davis of instructing persons to “harm, take out and kill other people”. Prosecutors alleged he committed the act sometime before November 16, 2020, and further accused him of posting the recordings intending to defame the opposition leader’s character.
When the case resumed yesterday, Poitier’s attorney, Maria Daxon, noted it was the second time Mr Davis, listed as the complainant, did not attend court.
Magistrate McKinney said it was the responsibility of the prosecution to have their witnesses present. He also noted that there had been no appearance of the complainant nor the police witnesses and said no explanation had been given.
Noting it was “unfair” to Poitier who had to travel between San Salvador and New Providence for trial, he stated: “In that case the defendant is discharged. The prosecution can have the charges reinstated within six months of today’s date.”
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