In an unprecedented legal move, Antigua and Barbuda will conduct its first-ever judge-only murder trial this Monday, marking a significant chapter in the nation’s judiciary history.
Jeffrey Daniel stands as the accused in this case, facing charges for the murder of 56-year-old David Roberts.
According to reports, the alleged altercation between Daniel and Roberts occurred on May 21, 2021.
The two individuals were known to each other.
Reports are that Roberts’ lifeless body was discovered near his residence, displaying visible injuries.
Legal maneuvers: Creating the defense
Daniel’s defense, spearheaded by legal counsel Wendel Robinson, unveils a narrative of mutual harm. In court, Robinson emphasized the multitude of injuries Daniel allegedly sustained to his body, including to “his chest, his forehead, his fingers, his back, etcetera,” during the altercation.
This tactic suggests a strategy leaning towards self-defense.
Navigating the Legal Labyrinth: A Plea and a Trial
Reports are that Daniel, a resident of Cassada Gardens, entered a plea of not guilty in May 2022.
The stage is now set for a legal battle overseen by Justice Tunde Bakre, who will steer the trial’s course in the absence of a jury.
Revolutionary legislation: The advent of judge-only trials
The decision to hold a judge-only trial comes from the Criminal Proceedings (Trial by Judge Alone) Act, enacted in 2021 amid the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
This legislation seeks to address the backlog of cases resulting from the inability to convene juries due to the pandemic. The Act was made permanent a few months ago.
