Prosecution to Decide Future of Noel Maitland Trial After Witness Applications

Kingston, Jamaica — The prosecution will decide whether to proceed with the murder trial of Constable Noel Maitland after the outcome of three critical applications concerning witness testimony from overseas.

Maitland, who is charged with the murder of his girlfriend, 24-year-old social media influencer Donna-Lee Donaldson, was scheduled to stand trial today in the Home Circuit Court in downtown Kingston. However, Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Claudette Thompson informed the court that the Crown wishes to make special measures applications before moving forward, as the decision will significantly impact whether the trial can begin.

The applications, seeking the court’s permission for witnesses to testify remotely, are set to be heard tomorrow. The defence, already served with related documents, requested additional time to respond, resulting in the court’s agreement to hear the matter on the following day.

Thompson noted that the prosecution’s case relies heavily on circumstantial evidence, emphasizing that the testimony of every witness carries equal importance.

Maitland, who has been in custody since July 27, 2022, was further remanded by Justice Leighton Pusey. He faces charges of murder and preventing the lawful burial of a corpse — allegations he has consistently denied.

Donaldson went missing on July 13, 2022, two days after she was last seen at Maitland’s Chelsea Manor apartment in St Andrew. Prosecutors revealed that forensic analysis identified bloodstains found on curtains and a pair of sneakers inside the apartment as belonging to Donaldson.

In additional evidence disclosed to the court, Maitland allegedly took a blood-soaked sofa to a car wash on the day of Donaldson’s disappearance, claiming a relative had injured himself. A car wash attendant assisting with the cleaning reportedly remarked on the significant amount of blood, expressing shock at the scene.

Prosecutors also alleged that Maitland attempted to persuade his landlord to delete CCTV footage from the apartment complex. Furthermore, cell site analysis indicated that both Maitland’s and Donaldson’s phones were located in the same vicinity on the last day Donaldson’s phone was active.

Maitland is represented by attorneys-at-law Christopher Townsend, Chadwick Berry, Sanjay Smith, and Kaysian Kennedy Sherman.

The court will reconvene tomorrow to determine the outcome of the applications and the next steps in the case.