Tesha Miller and 24 others are accused of being members of the Clansman Gang, involved in multiple crimes across St. Catherine between 2017 and 2022.
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Halshane Burke reports
Jamaica will have to wait until next month for the commencement of the second-largest gang trial in the Caribbean.
Justice Dale Palmer ruled on Monday morning that the trial for Tesha Miller and his 24 co-accused, including medical doctor Paul Robinson, is to begin on February 2 in the Home Circuit Court.
The trial, which was initially scheduled to begin last Wednesday, was pushed back after the prosecution admitted that it was not trial-ready because of outstanding reports, and had asked for an adjournment until June.
The court was also informed that reference DNA samples from at least one witness were taken only last week, while samples from four of the accused are still outstanding.
In granting the three-week adjournment, Justice Palmer said the primary reason is for defence counsel to take adequate instructions from their clients.
Next week, the attorneys complained that they had difficulties taking proper instructions from their client because they were barred from entering the institutions with electronic devices.
However, Commissioner of Corrections Brigadier Radgh Mason rejected the complaints but assured the court that notices will be posted to ensure attorneys are allowed access to consult with their clients.
Noting that he is eager to have the trial started, Justice Palmer said the prosecution is to disclose additional documents electronically to the defence by January 14.
The defendants except Dr. Robinson were further remanded.
Prosecutors allege the accused are members of the Clansman Gang and were involved in multiple crimes across St. Catherine between 2017 and 2022.
The charges include murder, conspiracy to murder, attempted murder, robbery with aggravation and illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.
The case involves 16 separate incidents and up to 99 potential witnesses.
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