Accused freely gave caution statement – Officer testifies

The High Court trial of Vindra Siriram who is accused of murdering the mother of his three children, Shelly Ann Persaud at their Friendship, East Bank Demerara (EBD) home on June 10, 2014, continued before Justice James Bovell-Drakes on Thursday. At the latest hearing, Police Corporal, Detective Cofey Robinson took the stand where he maintained that the caution statement of the defendant was freely and voluntarily given.

Corporal Robinson told the 12-member jury that Siriram appeared normal, was not intoxicated nor was he handcuffed when he gave the statement. Robinson denied that he gave the accused a blank paper to sign and that a black plastic bag was placed over his head. All this he maintained under cross-examination by defence Attorney Damien Da Silva who suggested that the Police made several amendments to the statement.
The Police witness admitted that there were changes but claimed that the accused read over the statement. However, Robinson admitted that he never sought to find out if the accused could read or write whilst he was under caution. Justice Bovell-Drakes adjourned the matter to Monday when other key witnesses will take the stand as the prosecution seeks to wrap up the case.
According to reports back then, Persaud was found with her head submerged inside a five-gallon bucket of water. It was stated that Siriram and Persaud were heard arguing prior to the woman’s death. A post-mortem examination later revealed that Persaud died as a result of drowning and manual strangulation.
The State’s indictment alleges that between June 9 and June 10, 2014, he committed the capital offence. Prosecutors appearing for the State are Shawnette Austin and Seeta Bishundial.