Cricketer freed of murder charge because of witnesses’ absence

Last Updated on Saturday, 26 December 2015, 21:00 by GxMedia

Cricketer Carlyle Barton, who was captured on video surveillance allegedly shooting his friend on Orange Walk, Georgetown earlier this year, was freed of murder because of a lack of prosecution.

City Magistrate Fabayo Azore ruled that the man be freed after none of the civilian or police witnesses came forward to testify in the case.

He immediately ran out of the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courthouse on being informed of the decision because most of the witnesses did not appear in court to testify.

He was accused of shooting to death his friend, Shawn Nelson, on May 27,2013. Close circuit television video showed Barton whipping out a handgun, aiming and shooting Shawn Nelson. Nelson was seen falling after he was struck to his head.

Magistrate Azore said there was insufficient evidence for Barton to face trial by a judge and jury in the High Court.

Barton had made his first court appearance before Magistrate Suenna Lovell.
Barton is a member of the Demerara Cricket Club.

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) is empowered to order that a fresh murder charge be reinstated against Barton. He would then have to be arrested, arraigned and remanded pending the holding of another Preliminary Inquiry.