Deputy DPP accuses defence lawyer of assaulting her during murder trial

Senior government prosecutor, Lisa Palmer Hamilton, today accused defence attorney Oswest Senior Smith of assaulting her during the hearing of a murder case. 

Palmer Hamilton surprised the Home Circuit Court this afternoon when she made the disclosure to Justice Gloria Smith. 

She did not state the nature of the assault. 

The judge called for composure, in trying to bring order to the proceedings.

"I have tried to be calm, controlled and as tolerant as I can be and do not wish to be stretched beyond a certain limit," Justice Smith warned. 

"Conduct yourselves befitting counsel of senior years and I expect a certain standard of behaviour," the judge added.

Meanwhile, in response, Senior Smith said he wished to correct the records. 

He told the court he never assaulted Palmer Hamilton, who is also a senior deputy director of public prosecutions. 

Senior Smith later told The Gleaner that he was saying something to the prosecutor and he went close to her so his voice would not be heard by the jury. 

Senior Smith represents businessman Bertram Clarke who is charged with the murder of his 74-year-old wife, Florist Clarke.

Twenty-two-year-old Arthur Robinson is also charged with the murder.

The deceased  who lived in England for many years was found at her home in Watt Town, St Ann on October 27, 2007 with her head bashed in and her throat slashed.

Palmer Hamilton is leading the Crown's case.