There were sharp exchanges today between the daughter of slain businessman Keith Clarke, Britney, and King’s Counsel, Valerie Neita-Robertson.
Miss Clarke retorted strongly when Mrs. Neita-Robertson suggested that she was coached into avoiding questions during cross examination and that her father had let criminals into their house to hide.
Britney is the second witness in the murder trial against three soldiers accused of killing her father during a military operation in May 2010, in search of then fugitive Christopher ‘Dudus’ Coke.
Robian Williams reports.
The suggestions came from defence attorney King’s Counsel, Valerie Neita Robertson, on behalf of her client, Lance Corporal Greg Tingling.
She told Ms Clarke “You were coached to come here to obstruct my questions, weren’t you?”
Britney answered, “I’m honored that I sound like I was coached, thank you for the compliment. But only the lord god is coaching me with the truth.”
KC Neita Robertson was questioning whether she heard her mother talking with her father, telling him that there were police and soldiers outside their house.
KC Neita Robertson continued, “You were of the view that there were criminals outside of your house? You thought that criminals fly helicopter and use electric saws?”
Before responding Britney took several deep breaths, then answered, “I believe that criminals were breaking in my house. I do not know what criminals travel with.”
She added that at that time she was fearing death and that she didn’t know who was outside.
Still being pressed about what happened, Britney gave out, “I wish I knew what occurred I need some answers myself, I’m pleading for some truth to this day, please. I’m pleading for the truth.”
To that testimony KC Neita Robertson shot back, “Your father exposed you and your mother to criminals.”
Evidently perturbed by that suggestion, Britney said, “that’s absolutely far from the truth, the truth needs to be told, please speak the truth.”
She maintained that she didn’t know who was outside of her house at the time.
She told the court that she and her family were merely trying to survive.
KC Neita Robertson went in with another suggestion, “Criminals were hiding in your house and in your basement.”
In a stern response Britney said, “you need facts and not suggestions …bring your facts please. The fact that you guys had to kick down doors and saw it off there is evidence that there was no one inside.”
KC Neita Robertson told her that her answer was silly, which sparked an objection from the prosecutor, Latoya Bernard.
Ms. Bernard stated that opinions and side comments on what is being said as testimony should stop.
She added that the comment from KC Neita Robertson was rude.
Unbothered by the objection, KC Neita Robertson put forward that the police and soldiers were at the Clarke’s residence because ‘Dudus’ and gunmen were hiding out in the house.
She added, “Your father let in the men inside your house that night.”
Britney replied, “madam speak the truth and stop what you’re doing. You need facts madam”
When asked who she thought was sawing off the door to her house, Britney said, “I was just preparing to die, I don’t know. I can’t fathom, I just knew the people, the person anything was relentless and I was going to die. I was preparing to die. I was facing the music to dance.”
The trial will continue on Monday morning at 10.
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