Judge presses ahead with trial behind closed doors

Jose Sanchez arrives at the scene for a court visit with prison guards and lead detective on the Webster murder Dennis Walkington

(CNS): Justice Charles Quin ruled that the case against Jose “Peto” Sanchez for the murder of Solomon “Solly” Webster would continue, after he rejected submissions from the defence Thursday that there was no case to answer.  The judge said the evidence that he was the killer was not so “weak or vague” that no jury could convict. But following his decision the trial went behind closed doors.

Although Mark Heywood QC, leading defence counsel, had argued that the gun in the case didn’t work, Justice Quin said that at some point it did, as a used casing from the weapon was found where Webster was shot.

The Special Olympian was shot in a yard at Miss Daisy Lane last September during a fight that included Sanchez and third man – Shaquille Bush. The crown’s case is that Sanchez had the weapon and was the one who fired it. Webster was shot in the leg and died later the same night as a result of the bullet passing through his femoral artery.

However, Sanchez has denied being the gunman, pointing the figure at Bush.

Although the trial was expected to continue with the defence response, following Justice Quin’s decision, the trial was adjourned behind closed doors in connection with submissions made by the crown. The case was, however, expected to resume in open court Monday.