Johnson was fatally stabbed at the rectory near St Jude's Anglican church in Stony Hill, St Andrew, on November 12, 2006.

The accused is 25-year-old labourer Prince Vale.

James Brown, a gardener who used to work at the rectory, said that at about 9.30 p.m. on November 12, 2006, he was in his room downstairs at the rectory when he heard Father Johnson shouting from upstairs, "Jimmy, help".

Call the police

Brown, who said he is also called Jimmy, said he went outside and banged his machete on the garage grille and then ran and asked a neighbour to call the police.

Brown said that, when he returned to the premises, he hid behind a stone in the yard. He said he saw Vale, whom he knew as 'B****er', jumping from the balcony and running down the driveway. He said he called to Vale and asked him what he had done to Father Johnson but Vale did not reply.

The trial continues today before Justice Norma McIntosh and the 12-member jury.