Lawyers for Kiprich consider taking case to Constitutional Court

By Racquel Porter     

 

The legal team representing dancehall artiste Kiprich, says it is waiting disclosure from the prosecution to determine whether it will be taking the case to the Constitutional Court.

 

Kiprich, whose given name is Marlon Plunkett, had his bail extended when he appeared in the St. Catherine Parish Court on Friday morning.

 

There was heightened security presence outside the St. Catherine Parish Court as Kiprich made his first appearance.

 

The 45-year-old was charged earlier this month with using audio and audiovisual communication to promote criminal activity which is a breach of section 18A (b) of the Offences Against the Persons Act.

 

The police say his arrest stemmed from a dub he recorded, which was circulated on media platforms, endorsing gang violence and paying tribute to Othniel "Thickman" Lobban who was fatally shot by the police.

 

But speaking with Radio Jamaica News following the hearing, his attorney Patrick Peterkin signalled his intention to challenge the charge. 

 

"What we requested this morning was disclosure in the matter. So we have asked for the prosecution to give us all the statements and any other material that they wish to rely on in the matter, so we are awaiting that. We had also indicated that we are considering taking the matter to the Constitutional Court to determine certain issues and such freedoms and liberties of the subject, in respect to the legislation. Because we have some questions about the legislation that we wish the Constitutional Court to determine as well," he disclosed. 

 

Mr. Plunkett is also represented by Michael Jordan.

 

It is alleged that on January 25, the police heard and saw a WhatsApp recording that allegedly contained lyrics endorsing criminality, the One Order Gang, and threats against the police in retaliation for Mr. Lobban's killing.

 

An investigation revealed that the dub was performed by Mr. Plunkett.

 

The entertainer has since admitted to recording the dub for a promoter but stated that he had no ill-intent.

 

He's to reappear in court on May 20.