Keith Clarke trial again postponed

THE TRIAL of three Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) soldiers accused of killing businessman Keith Clarke was delayed for a ninth time yesterday.

Lance corporals Greg Tingling and Odell Buckley, along with Private Arnold Henry, are facing murder charges arising from Clarke’s death in 2010.

The businessman and brother of former government minister Claude Clarke was shot and killed inside his Kirkland Heights home during an operation which, according to the security forces, was aimed at capturing then fugitive drug kingpin Christopher ‘Dudus’ Coke.

The trial was listed as a priority in the Home Circuit Court in downtown Kingston and Director of Public Prosecutions Paula Llewellyn indicated that her office was ready to proceed.

However, the trial was postponed because Henry was unable to attend court.

A warrant was ordered for his arrest, but High Court judge Jennifer Straw instructed that it be stayed until the next court date.

Henry’s attorney, Linton Gordon, told the court that his client did not attend court because he is under quarantine.

According to Gordon, Henry’s illness is linked to the mystery virus that left more than 80 soldiers ill last December.

The case is scheduled to again be mentioned on March 3.