MONROVIA November 27 (LINA) - Defense lawyer Arthur Johnson has withdrawn his request for severance trial of co-defendant Beyan Taylor charged along with three others with armed robbery at the Liberia Bank for Development and Investment on November 8, 2013.

Atty. Johnson took the decision Wednesday during arguments at the Criminal Court “D” against the backdrop that his client is innocent of the charge, according to the Liberia News Agency.

Prosecution lawyer Daku Mulbah said in keeping with the Criminal Procedure Law the court entered a nolle prosequi in favor of Taylor who serves as witness for the state in the proceedings.

Presiding Judge Nelson Togba granted Johnson’s request on grounds that the prosecution did not object, and ordered Taylor discharged, adding that the state reserves the right to re-file charges if the need arises.

Meanwhile, the other three defendants, Andy Thomas, Hilary Bernard and Joseph Okoro are currently incarcerated at the Monrovia Central Prison pending trial.
LINA