The lead investigator in a stabbing case denied yesterday in court that a detainee had been released in return for giving evidence against the accused, Justis Smith.

Detective Chief Inspector Stuart Crockwell ran the investigation into the stabbing of Shanae Outerbridge in Dockyard in February last year.

In Supreme court yesterday, it was revealed he had stated to the prosecutor's office that Detective Sergeant Lightbourne had not been involved in the investigation because his son, Stevie Jr., was a potential witness as he had been at the scene.

However jail records revealed DS Lightbourne had taken Mr. Raynor, another witness, to the major incident room.

Raynor told the jury on Wednesday that he had battled to grab the knife from Smith that night but that he had never been in contact with officer Lightbourne.

Mr. Raynor had been taken in by Police three days after the stabbing but was released more than two hours later after his lawyer Larry Mussenden had been in contact.

Justis Smith's lawyer Elizabeth Christopher said: "I am suggesting that Raynor was told to make a witness statement in exchange for his freedom."

DCI Crockwell denied this. He was also quizzed about the loss of evidence seized at the crime scene including a blue head scarf, known as a skully, and earrings.

He said the first time he went through the exhibits was two weeks prior to Smith's trial began, while Ms Christopher was also present.

Smith, 25, of Sunset Mews, has denied unlawfully wounding Shanae Outerbridge, 21, with intent to do her grievous bodily harm, during a fight on Pender Road last year.

Smith has also denied allegations of punching Ms Outerbridge's cousin Hanifah Taalibdin and possessing a penknife in a public place.

The case in front of Puisne judge Charles-Etta Simmons continues on Monday.