Lawyers push to drop murder charge in Donna-Lee Donaldson trial

Defence lawyers for Constable Noel Maitland sent ripples through the Home Circuit Court on Monday when they announced that they will be pushing for the cop to walk free in the high profile murder trial linked to the disappearance of influencer Donna Lee Donaldson.

The prosecution wrapped its case after calling 36 witnesses, bringing months of testimony to a close in the Kingston based trial which began in May.

But almost as soon as the final witness stepped down, Maitland's legal team signalled that they will be making a no case submission. They will be asking Justice Leighton Pusey to toss the charges on the grounds that the prosecution has not presented a strong enough case.

Maitland is charged with murder and preventing the lawful burial of a corpse. He has maintained his innocence from the start.

Donaldson was last seen alive on July 11 2022 when the policeman reportedly picked her up at her mother's St Andrew home. Her mother told the court that she last spoke with Donna Lee the next morning.

Maitland told investigators on July 15 2022 that Donaldson walked out of his Chelsea Manor apartment after an argument about a photo of his child's mother and talk of ending their relationship.

However a Government forensic analyst testified last month that blood traces found on several items taken from the apartment were confirmed to match the DNA profile of the missing influencer.

The case which is being heard by a seven member jury is expected to resume next month.

- Livern Barette

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