DEFENCE Counsel, Mr. Nigel Hughes, will today begin the defence of his client Carl Swinath in the Better Hope murder trial.

According to the Prosecution, Kumar Jainarayan, also known as Kumar, was bludgeoned to death in a brawl at Better Hope, East Coast Demerara, on November 8, 2004.

Police investigations led to the accused being arrested and charged with unlawful killing.

The accused is contending that during a game, Kumar, now deceased, struck him with a piece of wood, causing him to retaliate with a cricket bat. Kumar received an injury which resulted in death.

The accused is expected to begin his defence today with an unsworn statement from the dock.

Miss Sonia Joseph is prosecuting.