Glenn Jackson murder trial off to slow start

A massive surge of nervousness and anticipation swept through the packed court room at the High Court on Wednesday as Francis ‘Prickle” Williams, the man charged with the murder of Glenn Ian Jackson, got up and walked to the defendant’s box to answer the criminal charge.{{more}}

However, not much was done on the first day, as the impaneled 12-member mixed jury was discharged until next week Thursday, so as to accommodate a trial within a trial known as a “Voir Dire hearing” the next day.

Williams, dressed in a long-sleeved grey shirt and a pair of khaki trousers, in a soft voice pleaded not guilty to the murder of Jackson, after the charge was read to him.

On March 6, 2006, Jackson’s son discovered the nude and lifeless body of his father in Jackson’s vehicle not too far from his home at Cane Garden. There was a single bullet wound in Jackson’s chest.

Leading the prosecuting team of Director of Public Prosecutions Colin Williams, Michelle Fife and Carl Williams is Trinidadian Gilbert Peterson SC, who stated that he told the defence team led by Kay-Bacchus Browne and Grant Connell that they were seeking to have the Voir Dire commence on Thursday (yesterday) before the case started, which they agreed to.

SEARCHLIGHT understands that over 30 witnesses will be called to give evidence in the matter.

At the time of his death, Jackson was Press Secretary and Personal Aide to Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves. (KW)