WESTMORELAND, Jamaica — The defence team representing the three officers on trial for the beating death of Mario Deane in 2014 is expected to announce Thursday when the case resumes from adjournment, its take on the unavailability of a witness who is now deceased.

At the closing of Tuesday’s trial, the Crown handed files to the defence team regarding evidence provided by the deceased in the past.

“As such, the Crown has prepared a bundle, mi Lord, under the evidence and… act to tender into evidence my Lord,” stated the Crown, who served the defence team with the documents.

“The prosecution has proposed to read that evidence. That is why they have served the defence,” stated Justice Daye.

“I am going to invite counsel to look at the contents of the documents and do their calling on supporting witnesses and for them to determine whether they are in agreement with the statements attached,” stated the Crown, who said there will be the need to streamline the particular witnesses also.

It was revealed by the Crown during case management in February that one witness has reportedly died, according to a family member, and the prosecution is examining the possibility of using a deposition (a statement of what was said outside of court on record). The individual was reportedly subjected to a preliminary inquiry before a St James parish judge.

The three cops on trial are Corporal Elaine Stewart, and constables Juliana Clevon and Marlon Grant. They are all charged with manslaughter, perverting the course of justice and misconduct in a public office.

The allegations are that Deane was arrested for possession of a ganja spliff and placed in custody, where he was brutally beaten on August 3, 2014. Deane received severe injuries to his brain, which left him in a coma. He died three days later at Cornwall Regional Hospital in St James.

It is alleged that the three cops were on duty at the police station at the time when Deane was beaten. It is further alleged that Corporal Stewart instructed that the cell in which the attack took place be cleaned before the arrival of investigators from the Independent Commission of Investigations.

— Anthony Lewis