The Tribune

By LAMECH JOHNSON

Tribune Staff Reporter

ljohnson@tribunemedia.net

JUSTICE Bernard Turner yesterday denied an application by Kofhe Goodman’s counsel to withdraw as an attorney in the Marco Archer murder trial.

This came after Justice Turner also rejected Geoffrey Farquharson’s call for the judge to recuse himself from the case because of what the lawyer claimed was a conflict of interest.

Mr Farquharson said his applications to the court stemmed from his “discovery” that Justice Turner was the chancellor of the Anglican Diocese – a fact he said that clashed with the murder trial.

The attorney reasoned that the case in question was being affected because Farquharson himself is a member of the church involved in another court case involving the judge’s diocese.

Mr Farquharson submitted that, in his view, there is no way for the judge to fulfil both duties and be impartial.

He added that if the court was of the view it could proceed with the case under the circumstances, he would seek leave to withdraw as counsel.

Garvin Gaskin, deputy director of public prosecutions, objected to the application on the basis that it had been rehearsed, having played out already in the absence of the jury.

The deputy DPP called the application improper and said that the court’s ruling stands.

Justice Turner said the issue, which had been addressed before, did not have any affect on the murder trial in question.

Mr Farquharson again insisted he could not represent Goodman if the court was of that view – and said he is already seeking clarification from the chief justice.

The judge noted that the matter, having been before the courts since April, would continue.

The defending attorney asked for a stay in the matter pending clarifications from a superior judge, or alternately the Court of Appeal, however that was denied as was his withdrawal application.

Kofhe Goodman, 37, of Yorkshire Drive, faces a murder charge, which he denies. It is claimed that between September 23 and 28 of 2011, he caused the death of Marco Archer, 11, who disappeared from Brougham Street and was found dead days later.

Goodman is represented by Mr Farquharson.

 Mr Gaskin, Neil Braithwaite and Darell Taylor are prosecuting the case.

The case opened on April 19.