SAVANNA-LA-MAR, Westmoreland — Several stains that looked like blood were found in and outside the walls of the cell in which Mario Deane was fatally beaten, a crime scene examiner and head of the forensic department at the Independent Commission of Investigations (Indecom) told the Westmoreland Circuit Court on Monday.

The expert witness, who has a master’s degree in forensic science with a special emphasis in biology, has been employed by Indecom for the past 13 years. He was a crime scene examiner at the time of Deane’s death in April 2014.

The witness, whose name will not be used in keeping with the judge’s instructions, testified that there were what appeared to be blood stains on the western and eastern walls of the corridor near cell number four; the inner and outer area of a metal gate of cell number four; the metal and concrete door jamb of the cell; the upper concrete bunker; a metal post on the bunker; and a metal post between the beds.

He was testifying for the Crown in the trial of three cops — Corporal Elaine Stewart and constables Juliana Clevon and Marlon Grant — who are all charged with manslaughter, perverting the course of justice, and misconduct in a public office in connection with Deane’s death.

The forensic scientist said he was called to Barnett Street Police Station on August 3 at approximately 1:10 pm.

He said four packages containing samples of what resembled blood stains were collected from the cell block where Deane was allegedly beaten and labelled PP1-4. The remaining five packages containing fingernail clippings, urine sample, bile sample, and stomach sample were from the post-mortem conducted by a government pathologist.

The forensic expert said he also took photos and videos of the area. Also entered into evidence on Monday was a pair of denim pants Deane was said to be wearing when he was admitted to Cornwall Regional Hospital. The expert said the pants, which were turned over by Deane’s mother Mercia Fraser on September 8, 2014, also had what appeared to be bloodstains. He said photos were taken of the denim pants.

Monday’s proceedings ended prematurely due to the defence’s inability to access a CD containing photo images taken by the forensic expert. After a 15-minute break to isolate the photos, the prosecutor indicated that she would need assistance, which would not be available until Tuesday.

Presiding Judge Justice Courtney Day then advised that one of the seven jurors would not be available on Tuesday and the case was adjourned until Thursday, April 3 at 10:00 am.

The allegations in the case are that Deane was arrested for possession of a ganja spliff and placed in custody, where he was brutally beaten on August 3, 2014. He sustained 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 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 Indecom.