A judge has warned that social media could potentially “poison the well“ of a continuing murder trial.

Assistant Justice Mark Pettingill told the jury and members of the public at the trial of Raheem Wray that social media regarding the case could threaten the legal process.

“We cannot have social media interfering with the justice system in our country,” Mr Justice Pettingill said.

“It’s unfair across the board. To defendants, to victims, to victims’ families, to supporters of the defendants who have a right to the presumption of innocence.”

Mr Justice Pettingill did not detail the nature of the social-media posts but warned that such posts could amount to a criminal offence.

“I know for a fact that the authorities, if they can find people who do these things, will prosecute them,” he added. “I hope that they show up in front of me.

“We have to bring an end to this poison in our society.”

The judge said he was hopeful that the social- media comments had not come from those in the public gallery as he had warned about such behaviour earlier in the trial.

“We now have to step back, take a deep breath and figure out how to proceed properly in the interests of bringing this trial to a conclusion,” he told the court.

Mr Justice Pettingill reiterated his instructions to jurors that they were to avoid media reports about the case, including social-media posts.

Mr Wray has denied a charge that he murdered footballer Osagi Bascome in the early hours of December 18, 2021.

A pathologist told the court that Mr Bascome suffered two stab wounds, with the fatal blow puncturing the left ventricle of his heart.

Prosecutors formally closed their case on Tuesday, with the matter expected to resume in the Dame Lois Browne-Evans building this morning.

Earlier in the trial, a witness, who cannot be identified because of a reporting restriction, said he saw Mr Wray stab Mr Bascome during a fight outside the Fun Zone in St David’s.

The witness added that, while he was not aware of it at the time, he was later told Mr Bascome and another attendee of the party, Jahnazae Swan, had fallen out over a $2,500 deal involving CBD oil.

Mr Bascome’s older brother, Onias Bascome, told the court that he had heard his brother shout to Mr Swan that he would not give him money because Mr Swan’s younger brother had sucker-punched him.

Shortly after the stabbing, he said he saw Mr Wray brandishing a knife.

Police witnesses said that when Mr Wray was arrested he denied being involved in the fight or wielding a knife and claimed he had a voice note, which implicated Mr Swan’s brother.

It was said that both Mr Swan and his brother were understood to have left the island.

• It is The Royal Gazette’s policy not to allow comments on stories regarding criminal court cases. This is to prevent any statements being published that may jeopardise the outcome of that case