Noel Maitland’s character witness said it came as a surprise to him when he heard the allegations against the constable.

Maitland is on trial for the 2022 murder of his girlfriend Donna-lee Donaldson.

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

In the home circuit court today, Maitland’s character witness who is a senior officer within the Jamaica Constabulary Force said he worked with the constable for many years.

He described Maitland as a reliable team player, who was always on time.

He added that Maitland is a person who was very serious about his work.

The witness said he had several interactions with Mr. Maitland who he described as a very jovial individual who would always become the centre of attention once he enters a space.

The senior officer said the allegations against Maitland came as a surprise to him, as nothing in the constable’s character suggested he was the type of person who could commit the act he is accused of.

During cross examination the prosecutor asked the witness what is the general character of a person who would commit murder.

The witness said without any professional training, he thinks a killer may display signs of rage, anger, uncontrollable behaviour and fits of violence and this maybe evident through observing their behaviours with members of the public and in high stress environment.

The witness also noted that he did not socialise with Maitland outside of work.

Constable Maitland has been in custody since July 2022, when investigators determined that  missing 24-year-old Donaldson should be presumed dead.

The trial will continue tomorrow, when the prosecutors and the defence attorneys will present their closing arguments to the jury.