The trial of George Proctor, the 86-year-old University of the West Indies consultant botanist who is charged with conspiracy to murder his wife, is being held up because of outstanding exhibits.

Despite several trial dates last year, when the case came for trial last week Monday, it had to be postponed because the court was told that the Crown was awaiting video tapes and cell site analysis in relation to telephone calls.

Proctor and his co-accused, Glenmore Fillingon, 42-year-old driver of Christiana, Manchester, appeared in the Home Circuit Court on Monday.

Prosecutors assured the defence lawyers that the exhibits would be available by March 7.

Justice Norma McIntosh extended the men's bail for them to return to court on March 14 when the case will be mentioned.

Paid off

The Crown is alleging that Proctor paid Fillington $90,000 to murder his 66-year-old wife. It is alleged that he told Fillington that he was not happy at home and asked him to get someone to murder his wife. Fillington allegedly got someone to do the job and, when divorce was mentioned, Proctor allegedly disagreed with the suggestion saying it was too much trouble because he would have to give his wife half of his assets.

Proctor is a respected botanist who has lived in Jamaica for more than 50 years. He is considered an authority on this country's flora. He was also a consultant in the science department at the Institute of Jamaica.