The pool table on which kidnapped businesswoman Vindra Naipaul-Coolman was reportedly shot and dismembered is said to have been “dissected,” with parts taken for forensic testing and the remainder returned to the owner. This was revealed yesterday by acting Insp Michael Veronique of the Homicide Bureau as he was cross-examined by defence counsel Mario Merritt. Surprised by Veronique’s revelations about the location of the pool table, Merritt said the defence had been “looking to find it.”
Veronique said while he was aware the pool table had been taken as an exhibit, there were no documents indicating it had been returned. Responding to Merritt’s questions, Veronique replied: “As far as I understand, the pool table was returned to the owner.” He later responded to another question: “The table was taken as an exhibit. Certain parts were dissected and sent for testing and the others sent back to the owner.” Confirming that he had “perused” a video recording on the basis of which one of the accused men was charged with firearm and marijuana possession, Veronique denied knowing what penalties police officers would suffer if they were found to be fabricating evidence.
Merritt has asked for the video to be played today as he will cross-examine Veronique on its contents. Objecting to the video being shown, on the ground that Veronique was not present when it was made, prosecutor Israel Khan, SC, said: “He had nothing to do with it.” Khan said during the trial it had been dealt with it in detail and Merritt was free to recall those witnesses. He added he did not want any “opinion evidence” or anyone “looking at anything and giving comments.” Justice Malcolm Holdip is expected to rule on that when the trial resumes at 9.30 am today.