Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Paula Llewellyn - file photo
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Paula Llewellyn
Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Paula Llewellyn has said she is surprised by the acquittal of six men who were accused of being members of the Westmoreland based King Valley gang.
The judgment was handed down Wednesday in the Home Circuit Court by Chief Justice Bryan Sykes, who had been listening to evidence since January 14.
Carlington Godfrey, Rannaldo McKennis, Derval Williams, Christian Grant, Lindell Powell and Copeland Sankey were freed of several charges including suspicion of being part of a criminal organization, providing benefits to a criminal organization, conspiring to commit murder, rape, robbery and extortion as well as lottery scamming.
Prior to handing down the judgment, Chief Justice Sykes said the key witness's testimony in court was contrary to the statement he gave to the police prior to the trial.
Additionally, Mr. Sykes said the quality of the evidence before the court after the witness was cross-examined was poor.
When Radio Jamaica News sought a reaction from the DPP following the ruling, she admitted despite the prosecution presenting its evidence, "in the final analysis, it will always be for the tribunal of fact and law in a (trial) to decide what he or she makes of the credibility of the witness."
Ms Llewellyn pointed out that the task to "prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt" lies with the prosecution and her team presented the best evidence available, which included the particular witness.
While the six men were freed, only Copeland Sankey will be released from custody as the other men face additional charges before the court.
Mr. Sankey, a 44 year-old pig farmer, said he told investigators prior to the trial that he was innocent.
He told Radio Jamaica News that he is looking forward to seeing his two children as well as resuscitating his farm which fell into ruins while he was incarcerated.
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