By: Cecilia E.L. Mendy
The High Court in Banjul on Tuesday heard renewed arguments from the defence in a murder trial over the production of full CCTV footage allegedly linked to the killing of Arona Tine.
The matter came before Justice Ebrima Jaiteh as proceedings continued with the defence case.
Defence counsel A. Ade told the court that a formal notice to produce had earlier been filed requesting the complete CCTV recording of events surrounding the incident. He argued that only selected portions of the footage had so far been presented by the prosecution.
Counsel Ade said the defence was particularly interested in footage showing the accused entering the premises of the bureau, insisting that the full recording was necessary for effective cross-examination and to ensure fairness in the trial.
He further submitted that the CCTV system in question operates continuously on a 24-hour basis and should therefore have captured the entire period relevant to the case.
In response, state counsel A. Gibba told the court that the prosecution could only rely on material made available during the investigation. He said the State did not possess any additional footage beyond what had already been tendered in evidence.
Counsel Gibba maintained that the prosecution was therefore unable to produce the full CCTV recording requested by the defence.
Defence counsel Ade reiterated that the request was for the entire recording and not selected clips, adding that the issue should be properly entered into the court record.
He argued that the absence of the full footage could raise questions material to the defence during cross-examination of prosecution witnesses.
Justice Jaiteh noted the submissions as the trial continues.
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