Criminal Assizes re-open with 69 cases and three sentencing matters

With the April 2012 Criminal Assizes under way at the High Court, the prosecution will attempt to tackle 69 cases and three sentencing matters.{{more}}

The Assizes commenced on Tuesday, April 24, with the arraignment of prisoners.

A total of seven cases are up for re-trial including the cases of Webster Woodley and Sheldon Bain, who had their murder conviction overturned last year. Both men were found guilty back in 2008 for the 2004 murder of taxi operator Peter ‘Kazaman’ Joseph.

Police Constable Ericsson Harris, whose re-trial has been traversed multiple times, is also down for hearing. Harris was convicted of the double murders of Vonley Llewellyn and Jenine Gill.

Of the 69 cases, 31 murder trials are set to be heard before a judge and jury. Six rape cases and 10 robbery matters will also be heard at the High Court.

Che Ash and Azari Ash will be sentenced for the 2007 murder of Lloyd ‘Lazo’ Samuel of Redemption Sharpes. Both men were convicted in 2011.

Local Businessman Antonio ‘Que Pasa’ Gellizeau and Bermudian Winston Robinson are also down for sentencing.

Gellizeau and Robinson were found guilty, on March 9, 2012, of concealing on the Yacht “Jotobin” on April 5, 2008, at Calliaqua, US$1,733,463 (EC$4,628,346), which in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, represents proceeds of criminal conduct.

Oxford Chance is the other man to be sentenced on possession of controlled drugs.

There will be simultaneneously sittings of the Assizes, presided over by Justices Frederick Bruce-Lyle and Wesley James.

Director of Public Prosecutions Colin Williams will lead the cases for the prosecution, along with Crown Counsel Colin John, Carl Williams and Sejilla McDowall.(KW)