KINGSTON, Jamaica — Defence attorneys in the Keith Clarke murder case were on Monday handed a statement from a witness, who is due to migrate at the end of April, for them to peruse it and agree whether it should be admitted as evidence in the trial.

On Monday, High Court Judge Dale Palmer ordered that the trial should begin on April 29.

Justice Palmer, before his ruling, rejected an application by attorneys representing Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) soldiers Lance Corporals Greg Tingling and Odel Buckley as well as Private Arnold Henry, who was accused of murdering Clarke.

Clarke, an accountant and businessman was killed at his house in May 2010 during a police-military operation in Kirkland Heights, St Andrew. The incident happened during a search for then fugitive, Christopher ‘Dudus’ Coke, who was wanted by United States authorities for drug and gun running offences.

The case has been lingering in the Courts since 2012.

In relation to the witness statement, Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Paula Llewellyn said, “Would my learned friend be prepared to sign the document and agree on that witness?”

King’s Counsel (KC) Valerie Neita Robertson, who is representing the soldiers, along with KC Peter Champagnie, based on her response seemingly took offence to the question from the DPP.

“I am King’s Counsel. I am known to agree on things. If Miss Llewellyn has something for us to agree, Miss Llewellyn can send it to me personally,” she reportedly said.

A member of the prosecution team swiftly handed KC Neita Robertson a copy of the statement.

She accepted the document and said, “I will give it to my colleagues. I will read it at the appropriate time and I will get back to you in writing.”

KC Champagnie chimed in saying, “We would have to consult with our clients and we will have to get our instructions in writing. These are not light matters we can agree on at the spur of the moment.”