‘Chucky’ Brown Trial | Jurors told to approach eyewitness testimony with caution
Published:Monday | November 12, 2018 | 12:00 AMNickoy Wilson/Gleaner Writer
Trial judge Justice Vivene Harris yesterday warned jurors to be cautious when considering the identification evidence given by the Crown's purported eyewitness due to the weaknesses in the case.
She gave this warning as she continued her summation of the evidence in the trial for alleged killer cop Constable Collis 'Chucky' Brown at the Home Circuit Court in downtown Kingston.
Harris told the court that the accused was denied the opportunity to participate in an identification parade where the accuracy of the witness' testimony would have been tested. She also stated that the witness' identification of the accused in the dock cannot be heavily relied upon as the witness could have seen Brown as the person on trial when he came to court.
According to the witness, he was running away from the scene when he allegedly saw Brown along the Palmer's Cross main road on January 10, 2009.
The trial judge said, "If you believe that he was induced, you cannot rely upon the evidence."
It has been asserted by the defence on many occasions that Brown only spoke to the Independent Commission of Investigations because he was made an offer of amnesty. The judge said to the jury that if they believe that Brown was induced, they cannot rely on what was said.
Justice Harris also urged the jurors to look at all that was said in the August 6, 2013, transcript and the context in which it was said.
Brown is being tried for the 2009 murder of Damoy 'Gutty' Dawkins and the 2012 murders of Dwayne 'Murderous' Douglas and Andrew Fearon. Both incidents happened in Clarendon.
He is also facing one count of conspiracy to commit murder and a wounding with intent charge.