The Tribune

By LAMECH JOHNSON

Tribune Staff Reporter

ljohnson@tribunemedia.net

A DOCTOR who collected blood, in accordance with a court order, from the man accused of murdering 11-year-old Marco Archer yesterday denied that he did not properly confirm the identity of the individual.

Dr Leo Ignacio took the stand yesterday under cross-examination by Kofhe Goodman’s attorney, Geoffrey Farquharson.

Last Friday, when the doctor told a jury he collected a sample from Goodman in the presence of two policemen on September 30, 2011, Mr Farquharson objected to the evidence on the basis that no legal authorisation was given for Dr Ignacio to obtain blood from his client.

However, the objection was overruled by presiding judge, Justice Bernard Turner.

Goodman of Yorkshire Drive, faces a murder charge which he denies. It is claimed that the 37-year-old intentionally, and by means of unlawful harm, caused the death of Marco Archer between September 23 and 28 of 2011.

Garvin Gaskin, Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions, along with Neil Braithwaite and Darell Taylor, are prosecuting the case.

In yesterday’s proceedings, Mr Farquharson asked Dr Ignacio if in his 17 years of experience as a medical practitioner, this was the first time he had taken a blood sample pursuant to a court order.

“No sir,” he answered.

“Is it fair to say you’ve done this on several occasions?” the attorney asked.

“Yes sir,” Dr Ignacio answered, adding that he is also familiar with procedures for carrying out the task.

Mr Farquharson asked the witness if he was aware that he was giving evidence in a murder trial.

The physician answered, “Yes sir.”

Mr Farquharson asked the witness if he had the permission of his client to take his blood.

However, the question was met with an objection from Mr Gaskin on the basis that the lawfulness of the blood extraction was being 
questioned when the court had already ruled on the issue.

Mr Farquharson responded that he was not aware of the court making a ruling on his question.

Justice Turner said a ruling was made and the attorney was in possession of a copy of that ruling.

Mr Farquharson then suggested to the witness that despite seeing the court order, he made no “positive attempt” to identify the accused at the time.

“Sir I did,” Dr Ignacio said, adding, “I asked him his name and birth date.”

The trial resumes today.