The trial of three men accused of murdering Matthew Clarke did not proceed yesterday as defence lawyer Charles Richardson was ill.

Puisne Judge Carlisle Greaves told the jury the case would not go ahead without Mr. Richardson, who represents 18-year-old Kyle Sousa.

The teenager finished testifying in his own defence on Tuesday, which was the 14th day of evidence in the case. The co-accused are Shannon Tucker, 32, and Vernon Simons, 24.

The trio allegedly stabbed and bludgeoned Mr. Clarke to death in his bed last April possibly in relation to drug importation charges Tucker and Simons were facing, for which they blamed Mr. Clarke.

Mr. Justice Greaves asked the jury to return to court this morning in the hope of continuing with the case.