Constable Noel Maitland is on trial for the murder of his girlfriend, Donna-Lee Donaldson.
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A report from Racquel Porter
Police Constable Noel Maitland, who has been on trial for the murder of his girlfriend, was on Wednesday portrayed in court as a hard-working professional and vibrant individual who loved his job.
The character witness, an inspector of the Jamaica Constabulary Force, and one of the Crown's 36 witnesses told the court that he was shocked when he learned that Mr. Maitland had been arrested and charged.
Sociable, very agreeable, a team player, were among the adjectives used to describe the constable, whose duties including transporting accused persons from police lock-ups to the courts up to the time of his arrest.
Clad in his police denim uniform, the inspector testified that Mr. Maitland was a senior force driver who performed prisoner escort duties.
He noted that while Mr. Maitland could be "lippy" sometimes, he always expressed his opinions.
The witness said he worked closely with Mr. Maitland while both were assigned to the Constant Spring Police Station.
Under questioning from Mr. Maitland's attorney, King's Counsel Larry Smith, the inspector confirmed that he also interacted socially with the accused.
According to the witness, officers would sometimes eat together in the general area, and during celebrations, they would gather near the pool table section where they occasionally played.
The witness said he was usually the centre of attention because of his bubbly personality.
The inspector said he was very surprised by the allegation, adding that it came as a shock because nothing in Mr. Maitland's behaviour or general character suggested he would do something like that.
He said Mr. Maitland carried out his duties diligently, was serious about his work and "stayed on top of things", adding that Mr. Maitland operated without the need for close supervision.
During cross-examination, Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Claudette Thompson tested the inspector, a 24-year veteran of the force.
Ms. Thompson asked how many years Mr. Maitland had served in the force. The witness said he did not know.
The DPP then asked about the general character of someone who would commit murder.
The inspector responded: "Without any professional training in the area, I think a person who would commit murder may display signs of rage, anger, uncontrolled behaviour and fits of violence. And this may be evident in observing their behaviour with members of the public during high-stress situations, which police officers often encounter."
Ms. Thompson then asked, "You would agree, Inspector, that even police officers experience high stress in their personal lives?"
The witness agreed. He also conceded that while he socialised with Mr. Maitland, it did not occur outside of work.
Pressing further, the DPP asked, "And while it is that you were surprised and that it came as a shock, throughout your 20-plus years as a police officer, you must have come across situations where persons acted outside of character?"
The witness replied, "Yes, Madame."
Earlier in his testimony, the inspector said he was unaware of Mr. Maitland's relationship with Donna-Lee Donaldson or with the mother of his child, Kathanya Smith.
When asked whether he knew Mr. Maitland was a father, the witness said he could not remember whether he was made aware before or after Mr. Maitland was accused.
He also said he did not know where the defendant lived prior to his arrest.
Mr. Maitland is on trial for the murder of his girlfriend, 24-year-old entrepreneur Donna-Lee Donaldson. He is charged with murder and preventing the lawful burial of a corpse.
Ms. Donaldson was reported missing on July 13, 2022.
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