Juror reportedly felt scared after Kartel approached son in prison
Vybz Kartel reportedly approached the son of a juror during his trial, prompting her to alert the judge, who later discharged her from the jury.
Jeremy Taylor, senior deputy director of public prosecutions, said in court yesterday that the juror had indicated that her son was in custody at the Horizon Adult Correctional Centre, the same facility where Kartel and his co-accused were being housed.
Taylor said the woman revealed that during a visit to her son, her eyes “mek four” with those of Andre St John (one of the co-accused), and that her son had told her that he was approached by Kartel.
According to Taylor, the woman indicated that she had become fearful. As a result, Taylor said the trial judge, Justice Lennox Campbell, took the decision to discharge her and indicated that he would announce in open court that she was being dismissed for personal reasons.
“The decision to discharge her was not opposed by anyone,” said Taylor, referring to the attorneys for all the men who were present in the judge’s chambers.
“Neither was there any dissenting voice when Mr Campbell said he would announce in court that she is being discharged for personal reasons,” he continued. “He was not wrong. The ethical dilemma was real.”
Kartel, whose real name is Adidja Palmer, was convicted in 2014 along with his protégé Shawn Storm, as well as Kahira Jones and St John, for killing Clive ‘Lizard’ Williams at a house in Havendale, St Andrew, in 2011.
BREACH OF HIS RIGHT
Last week, Shawn Storm’s attorney complained that the entertainer was not in the judge’s chambers when the decision to discharge the juror was taken and argued that this was a breach of his right to a fair trial.
But yesterday, Taylor cited legal authority which suggests that an accused can be excluded from discussions in the judge’s chambers on the condition that a court reporter is present.
“A court reporter was present, which is why we have a transcript of what transpired,” Taylor argued.
Meanwhile, Taylor argued against the argument moved by the defence that the jury was rushed.
Defence attorneys pointed out last week that the 11-member jury was sent out at 3:42 p.m. to consider their verdict.
Valerie Neita-Robertson, Kartel’s lead attorney, said this was against agreed protocols for the Jamaican courts and placed undue pressure on jurors to reach a verdict.
Taylor noted that the jury in the Vybz Kartel murder trial deliberated for nearly two hours and said this is an indication their verdict was not rushed.
He pointed out that the jury deliberated for “six minutes short of two hours.”
“So it cannot be said that they rushed their judgment,” said the senior prosecutor.
“He [presiding judge Justice Lennox Campbell] did not tell them to come back at a certain time. What your Lordship was saying is ‘take as long as you want’,” Taylor said.