The bail application for murder accused Noel Maitland has been pushed back to September 16, after the prosecution refused to provide witness statements requested by the defence.

The matter was stood down after approximately 30 minutes to allow the prosecution to speak with the Director of Public Prosecutions about permitting the disclosure of the documents needed to make the bail application.

Maitland, the policeman boyfriend of missing social media personality Donna-Lee Donaldson, has been charged with murder in connection to her disappearance.

Earlier on Monday, a representative from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) told the court that the decision to withhold the documents, including statements from Donaldson’s mother Sophia Lugg, was done to protect the witnesses.

READ: Withholding of documents delays Noel Maitland case

However, Maitland’s attorney Kaysian Kennedy Sherman, who appeared on behalf of lead attorney Christopher Townsend, and Senior Parish Judge Lori-Ann Cole-Montague expressed their displeasure with the ODPP’s decision.

“I find a challenge with the decision,” said Cole-Montague.

Kennedy Sherman echoed the judge’s sentiments and told the court that she would be unable to apply for bail at this time.

She added that she is “shocked” at the decision.

It was then decided that the matter will be moved to the Home Circuit court on September 16.

– Candice Haughton