The trial, which commenced on May 25, 2022, faced delays due to difficulties locating prosecution witnesses and concluded on October 19, 2023. The prosecution later sought and secured court approval on May 15, 2024, to record additional statements from the defendant despite objections from the defence.
Justice Sonaike criticised the absence of other officers who were part of the patrol team, stating that their testimony could have provided critical eyewitness accounts. She also condemned their failure to appear as a deliberate attempt to protect a colleague involved in an unlawful act.
“The defendant admitted to patrolling the area on the day of the incident and acknowledged that someone had died from a gunshot. His behaviour, along with other evidence, confirmed his guilt,” the judge stated.
She emphasised that the defendant’s actions (shooting the deceased in the head) demonstrated a clear intention to kill or cause serious harm. “The use of a live weapon and the fatal wound inflicted leave no doubt that the defendant caused the death,” she said.
Justice Sonaike also criticised the police officers who refused to testify, recommending that they face disciplinary action and possible dismissal if found culpable. “Such officers have no business being paid with taxpayers’ money,” she said.
In his plea for leniency, defence counsel B.O. Abdusalam described Joseph as a first-time offender who had reformed while in custody, undergoing four courses and obtaining certifications.
However, the judge held firm in her decision, sentencing Joseph to death and calling for accountability within the police force to prevent similar occurrences.
The Guardian
The trial, which commenced on May 25, 2022, faced delays due to difficulties locating prosecution witnesses and concluded on October 19, 2023. The prosecution later sought and secured court approval on May 15, 2024, to record additional statements from the defendant despite objections from the defence.
Justice Sonaike criticised the absence of other officers who were part of the patrol team, stating that their testimony could have provided critical eyewitness accounts. She also condemned their failure to appear as a deliberate attempt to protect a colleague involved in an unlawful act.
“The defendant admitted to patrolling the area on the day of the incident and acknowledged that someone had died from a gunshot. His behaviour, along with other evidence, confirmed his guilt,” the judge stated.
She emphasised that the defendant’s actions (shooting the deceased in the head) demonstrated a clear intention to kill or cause serious harm. “The use of a live weapon and the fatal wound inflicted leave no doubt that the defendant caused the death,” she said.
Justice Sonaike also criticised the police officers who refused to testify, recommending that they face disciplinary action and possible dismissal if found culpable. “Such officers have no business being paid with taxpayers’ money,” she said.
In his plea for leniency, defence counsel B.O. Abdusalam described Joseph as a first-time offender who had reformed while in custody, undergoing four courses and obtaining certifications.
However, the judge held firm in her decision, sentencing Joseph to death and calling for accountability within the police force to prevent similar occurrences.
The Guardian
