The controversial video tapes and photo album seized at the property of the former Trade Ambassador Peter King was ordered by a resident magistrate to be released to defence lawyers representing the man accused of killing him.

Magistrate Vaughn Facey made the ruling following an application by the defence lawyers that copies of the video tapes be made available to them.

The ruling was made earlier this week, when 23-year-old Sheldon 'Brown Man' Pusey, who is charged with the murder of King, appeared in the Half-Way Tree Criminal Court.

The 64-year-old King was found lying on the floor of his bedroom, his throat slashed and his body mutilated

The accused was subsequently charged on March 16 of this year, following investigation into the murder.

The police expressed an interest in Pusey since last year when it was discovered that he was one of six men present at a small party King held at his house the night he was killed.

According to the police, Pusey was the only person known to be at the gathering who had not come forward to the police to give information.

He was apprehended in Oracabessa, St. Mary on February 24, during a police ope-ration involving personnel from Oracabessa, St. Andrew Central, Operation Kingfish and the Major Investigation Task Force.

Lawyers for Pusey argued that their client had been lured to the apartment by King, who then made sexual advances at him.

They also argued that the accused stabbed King in the act of self-defence.

Pusey is to return to court on September 20.

- D.M.