More than 300 sexual offence cases to be heard in St Catherine Circuit Court

Concerns were raised yesterday at the opening of the Michaelmas term of the St Catherine Circuit Court about the dominance of sexual offenses cases on the court list at each sitting. 

During the opening, it was revealed that there are 358 cases down to be heard by the court.

Ninety-six of these cases are sexual offenses that are to be tried.

Of this number, 62 are new cases.

Meanwhile, plans were announced to bring a second room at the courthouse into operation for case management conferences as part of the move to ease the backlog of cases.

In her remarks during the opening Justice Sarah Thompson-James told defense attorneys to play their part in ensuring that the circuit operates smoothly.

Justice Thompson-James also told attorneys that where there is a clear case against their clients the accused should plead guilty.

Queen’s Counsel Tom Tavares-Finson, in responding on behalf of the private bar, said his colleagues would work assiduously to make justice transparent for all in a timely manner.