Sex-related offences, gun crimes dominate St Elizabeth Circuit Court
BLACK RIVER, St Elizabeth — Sex-related offences make up 32 per cent of the 53 cases scheduled for the Hilary session of the St Elizabeth Circuit Court, which will run over the next five weeks, prompting presiding Judge Wesley James to comment on the high number of sex cases before the court.
The six cases of rape and 11 cases of carnal abuse will be among the cases to be decided by juries while the 17 firearms-related offences on the books will go before Justice James.
Circuit opened in Black River Monday with St Elizabeth attorney, Velma Hylton QC welcoming the judge to the parish, as she assured him of the fullest co-operation of all members of the private bar, to ensure a smooth and efficient session, in an effort to reduce the long case list on hand.
Justice James in his reply, said he was overwhelmed by the welcome extended to him, and while noting the high number of sex-related offences, said he looked forward to the challenge as he hoped to make a big dent in the backlog of offences on trial.
He also noted the improvements to the courthouse, which had recently undergone extensive repairs.
In his charge to the jurors, Justice James assured them that while the responsibility was awesome there was nothing to be alarmed about. He challenged them to listen carefully to, and analyse the facts, which prove different from hearsay.
The court also observed a minute’s silence in memory of attorney Victor Robinson, who passed away over the weekend.