Attorney Oscar Selgado took the stand today in the trial against him for abetment to murder. That's after the judge struck down his attorney's no case submission, ruling that there IS sufficient evidence for the case to continue. He then gave Selgado three choices, either to remain silent, give a statement, or take the stand, where he would be cross examined. Selgado chose the third option.
During the questioning by his attorney, Adolph Lucas, Selgado rebutted some of the comments made by the witnesses, Commissioner of Police, Chester Williams, and former police officer, Wilfredo Ferrufino. The ComPol testified that he had limited contact with Selgado when Selgado was in the BDF, and again when Williams was the officer commanding Eastern Division. However, Selgado testified that in both instances, he had no reason to ever contact Williams. He said he left the BDF 23 years ago, before the ComPol was a cop.
Selgado then denied having any conversation with Ferrufino outside of court, despite Ferrufino testifying that he had had group conversations with him.
He then went into the testimony given by Senior Magistrate Tricia Pitts, who said that she had ordered that disclosure be given to Selgado. He says he never received the CD's with the recordings that are now missing, and that he didn't request them at the preliminary inquiry because the practice is to receive the disclosure at the Supreme Court.
In the cross examination, Selgado reiterated that no recording could have been made by Giovanni Ramirez in his vehicle since he claims he never met Ramirez. He also stated that he has no issues with any prisoners by the name of Giovanni Ramirez.
When the DPP asked whether he wasn't interested in requesting the disclosure, or reading the statements after he had received them, he said he wasn't concerned because he knew they were fabrications. He then stated that he cannot keep up with the proceedings intently because he has been "distressed" and "losing his sanity" because of them.
Afterwards, the DPP asked if he accepts that the emotional burden is caused by his own guilt, to which he said he disagreed. She then asked, quote, "Of all the untruths you have told from the witness stand, that is the biggest?"
Of course, Selgado also disagreed with that statement.
After the proceedings we spoke to the DPP outside of the courtroom.
Reporter:
"What do you make of Mr Selgado's decision to testify before the court on the stand, did that come as a surprise?"
Cheryl Lynn Vidal, DPP
"No it didn't. Every accused has three options, he exercised one to go and testify, he did so in the voir dire, we were expecting him to testify."
Reporter:
"It is encouraging that the judge did not throw out the case today?"
Cheryl Lynn Vidal, DPP
"We did not think that the case was in danger of being thrown out, to use your words."
Reporter:
"What follows now in the case?"
Cheryl Lynn Vidal, DPP
"Addresses."
Reporter:
"How long do you expect that it will continue, the entire trial?"
Cheryl Lynn Vidal, DPP
"We return on the 13th and we will continue our addresses on that date and then the judge will set a date for him to give his verdict in the matter."
Final submissions will be heard on February 13th.
