The rape trial for attorney Orson "OJ" Elrington began today before High Court Justice Nigel Pilgrim.
Proceedings began with a kind of curve ball when Elrington's defense made a preliminary submission for the full trial to be held in open court - including when the victim - complainant testifies. That part is usually held in closed court.
The oral arguments on this began at 3:00 pm with Elrington being represented by his cousin Alifah Elrington and his uncle Senior Counsel Wilfred Sedi Elrington. DPP Cheryl Lynn Vidal appeared for the prosecution.
In making submissions, the DPP argued that hearing the matter in public will prejudice the interest of justice. She noted that it would be somewhat intrusive and impact the quality of evidence due to the vulnerability of the victim.
In response, Alifa Elrington noted that the case is a high profile case with the defendant being a public and political figure. According to Elrington, there has also been no evidence of trauma provided in the case and no instance of harassment has been raised.
The judge directed that by midday on February 26 the DPP file a statement from the Virtual Complainant outlining her views on the matter and why the court should exercise its discretion to provide protections under the constitution.
Oral arguments will be made two hours later and the judge will hand down his decision on Friday, February 27 at 9 a.m.
When leaving court we spoke with Sedi Elrington:
Reporter
"So it's not precedent setting that an objection should not be made to an in-camera hearing for a sexual assault."
Wilfred Elrington, Attorney-At-Law
"Might be. Might be."
Reporter
"What's your take on the arguments that were made?"
Wilfred Elrington, Attorney-At-Law
"I think they're both good arguments. Both good arguments. These two counsel have been doing very well indeed. So we just have to wait and see what will happen. And the judge seemed to be very good. I'm happy about that."
Reporter
"Any timeline as to when a decision is expected to be made?"
Wilfred Elrington, Attorney-At-Law
"I thought he said he's going to make his decision on Friday morning. At nine. Yeah, that's the impression I got."
We'll have more coverage on Friday.
