Strike by correctional officers forces adjournment of Clansman Gang trial

Strike action by correctional officers at the Horizon Adult Remand Centre this morning forced an adjournment of the Clansman Gang matter in the Home Circuit Court until July 11.

Only nine of the 23 accused men including the alleged gang leader, Tesha Miller, were brought before the Court.

Seven minutes before noon, when the case was mentioned, the prosecutor informed Justice Vinette Graham-Allen that the accused men who are housed at the Horizon Adult Remand Centre are absent due to a strike.

The judge was further informed that the deputy superintendent of police who is in charge at the Supreme Court made efforts to have the men brought but was unsuccessful.

Justice Graham-Allen, while declaring that the rule of law must prevail and that no one will hold the court ransom issued bench warrants for all the accused who were absent to have them present at the next sitting.

The 23 defendants charged under the Criminal Justice (Suppression of Criminal Organisations) Act (anti-gang legislation) are alleged to have participated in several criminal activities between August 5, 2017 and August 22, 2022 in St Catherine as members of the Clansman Gang.

The charges against them include murder, conspiracy to murder, attempted murder, robbery with aggravation, illegal possession of firearm and illegal possession of ammunition.

- Tanesha Mundle

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