Justice Sykes points out consistencies in evidence
Published:Tuesday | July 30, 2019 | 12:24 AMNickoy Wilson/Gleaner Writer
Chief Justice Bryan Sykes yesterday indicated that he has thus far identified what he described as “consistencies” in the evidence given by the two self-proclaimed former members of the Uchence Wilson Gang.
He gave this indication as he challenged arguments put forward by the reputed gang leader’s attorney-at-law, Lloyd McFarlane, who told the court that it would be dangerous to convict his client based on uncorroborated testimony.
McFarlane, who was making closing arguments as the trial of the 18 accused gang members continued at the Home Circuit Court in downtown Kingston, stated that the prosecution had not proven any of the offences against his client beyond a reasonable doubt.
In relation to a robbery said to have taken place on May 20, 2016, the attorney argued that travel documents had showed that Wilson was in Belize and not Jamaica when the incident occurred, rendering the witness’ testimony about this and other incidents untrue.
But Justice Sykes reminded the attorney that the gang member-turned-witness did not provide any dates in his evidence and that one instance would not be cause enough for him to disbelieve the witness’ entire testimony.
Further, Justice Sykes said that from his review of the evidence, there seems to be a core group and then there are others who join the group at certain points, depending on the parish being targeted, based on the testimony of the two alleged former gang members.
Before that, prosecutors said that there was enough evidence to support the witnesses’ testimony in the form of digital communications, words said under caution, and sworn evidence by the accused.
Wilson and his 17 alleged cronies are on trial for breaches of the Criminal Justice (Suppression of Criminal Organisations) Act 2014, commonly known as the Anti-Gang Legislation, between 2015 and 2017.
They are also being tried for breaches of the Firearms Act.