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In yesterday’s news, we told you how the murder trial against William “Dannyâ€￾ Mason and his 4 co-defendants resumed in the Belmopan Supreme Court, after an extended break.

The court first had to find new defense counsels for each, except Mason, who retained Guyanese Dexter Todd. After that, each of the 5 attorneys needed to be brought up to speed with the substantial portions of the trial that had already taken place back when Herbert Panton represented all 5 men.

Well, the trial resumed at an important juncture. Justice Antoinette Moore is currently conducting a trial within this trial - to test whether a caution statement given to police should be admitted as evidence.

This part of the trial is not for public consumption, and so, for 2 days now, the press was not allowed to sit in and listen. 

This afternoon, however, we did get a chance to briefly discuss this part of the case with 2 of the defence attorneys. They were very limited in the details they’re allowed to disclose, but here’s what they told us at the end of today’s hearing:

Bryan Neal - Attorney for Keiron Fernandez
"I am one of those attorneys who believe that the public has a right to know about the administration of justice. But, once a trial begins the way it has commenced now, I would prefer not to get into the meat of the matter. Suffice to say that the trial is proceeding. We had a minor setback this afternoon, but, we will resume tomorrow."

Reporter
"Sir, how many witnesses have testified in this voidaire?"

Bryan Neal
"What is it Mr. Rodriguez?"

Norman Rodriguez - Attorney for Ashton Vanegas
"I think its 5 today, and 3 yesterday, and so, it should be 8, and I believe that they have 11."

Reporter
"Gentlemen, would you hazard an independent comment on what you think the purpose is of the statement, and what the effect is has, if it goes either way?"

Bryan Neal
"Well, a statement - they’re trying - the prosecution is trying to say that Mr. Castillo, one of the defendants voluntarily confessed to the crime. And they are trying to enter the confession statement into evidence. Beyond that, I really don’t want to pre-empt the judge on what she has to do."

The trial within this trial is expected to conclude tomorrow, after which Justice Antoinette Moore will decide if the caution statement is allowed into evidence. After that, normal public hearings will resume.