Defence questions strength of prosecution's case if Vybz Kartel retrial ordered

 

Lawyers representing dancehall entertainer Vybz Kartel and his three co-accused have raised questions about the strength of the prosecution's case if a retrial is ordered.

 

Tuesday is expected to be the last day of the hearing.

 

In wrapping up her arguments, acting Director of Public Prosecutions Claudette Thompson said the factors weighing heavily in favour of a retrial are the seriousness of the offence - that is murder, the prevalence of murder in Jamaica, the availability of witnesses for retrial and the strength of the prosecution's case.

 

But in responding, attorney John Clarke, speaking for the accused men, raised the availability of exhibits in considering the strength of the prosecution's case.

 

He said there were 25 exhibits presented at trial but the prosecution has only verified the availability of 16.

 

He said two of the most important exhibits have not been verified as available, that is the DVD with the video of the murder and the DVD containing the voice notes.

 

Mr. Clarke also said some of the exhibits the defence relied on at trial have not been verified; for example, the signature of the sole eyewitness, Lamar Chow, and a letter to the Public Defender.

 

The Court of Appeal is seeking to determine whether Kartel - whose real name is Adidja Palmer - as well as Kahira Jones, Andre St. John and Shawn Campbell should be retried for the murder of Clive 'Lizard' Williams. 

 

The Court, which ended its six-day hearing on Tuesday, says it is working towards delivering its ruling in the matter by the end of the current court term on July 31.