Constable Noel Maitland told a seven member jury, in the Home Circuit Court today that he would never kill Donna-Lee Donaldson.

During his unsworn statement, Maitland who is on trial for the 2022 murder said he would never hurt his girlfriend.

An unsworn statement is a declaration made by a defendant that presents their version of events without taking a formal oath or affirmation.

Maitland told the court that he had several disagreements with Donaldson during their 3 year relationship, mostly about his child’s mother. However, he said he never hurt Donaldson physically nor had any intention of hurting her.

The constable pointed out that their last disagreement at his home, was triggered by repeated phone calls from his child’s mother and a photograph of a woman hanging on the wall.

He added that he did not argue with Donaldson, and retired to bed.

According to Maitland on Tuesday July 12, 2022, Donna-Lee woke him up and then left the St. Andrew apartment.

He said that was the last time he saw her.

Maitland is also charged with preventing the lawful burial of a corpse, because Donaldson’s body has not been found.

He has been in custody since July 2022, when investigators determined that the missing 24-year-old woman should be presumed dead.

At today’s trial Maitland noted that he cooperated at all times with the investigators, even when others refused.

The trial continues tomorrow.