2 Witnesses to Testify on Behalf of Orel Leslie

Orel Leslie

Orel Leslie’s civil case against the Kolbe Foundation and government continued today in the courtroom of Justice Courtney Abel. Leslie spent some time behind bars after being arrested and charged for the 2012 murder of B.D.F. soldier James Noralez.  He beat the murder rap twice as he was never convicted.  But according to Leslie, his time behind bars was horrible. He is suing the prison management for inhumane treatment during his stint in the slammer. Leslie’s attorney Audrey Matura had some difficulties in obtaining affidavits from four witnesses who can support her client’s case. After arguments today, Justice Abel agreed to hear the witnesses on Thursday.

Audrey Matura

Audrey Matura, Attorney for Orel Leslie

“We no longer wanted to use the four witnesses, the four potential witnesses. We reduced it to two which are Andrew Kelly and Kenrick Cooke. The court ordered that they be removed and brought to the court so that then I can get to interview and talk to them and see if they are willing to testify and see what they can tell me. So this morning was a lot of pressure and preparing and quickly filing stuff because I couldn’t do it until I met them. We subsequently filed that we be relieved from sanction and given extended time to file these documents. Relief from sanctions mean that we didn’t comply with the order of the court which would have been the twentieth of April we should have filed these documents but we couldn’t. However the other side is opposing that because basically they are saying that we don’t want those people to testifying and they are relying on technicalities and the delays. Those are legal arguments for the court. What the judge decided is like ‘okay seeing that I have the witness statement, seeing that they are here I will allow them to take the stand. Tomorrow they will be cross examined by the crown and the attorney for the prison but it does not mean that I will automatically accept the evidence.’ When he gives his final ruling on the entire case he will also rule if he can or will also accept that. So there will be some legal arguments that will take place in between. But basically at this point we at least know we are taking the stance and give evidence and their evidence is to support Mr. Leslie’s claim.”