UCHENCE WILSON GANG TRIAL RESUMES TODAY AFTER DELAY

THE trial involving members of the Uchence Wilson

Gang yesterday had another setback and will resume today in the Home Circuit Court.

The much-watched trial, which is now in its fourth week, was adjourned for a day by Chief Justice Bryan Sykes, after the prosecutor who is leading the second witness’ evidence-in-chief fell sick.

The reputed leader, 28-year-old Uchence Wilson, and 23 alleged gang members, including four women and a police corporal, are being tried for various offences under the Criminal Justice (Suppression of Criminal Organisations) Act, commonly referred to as the Anti-gang Legislation, and also for offences under the Firearms Act. Yesterday all the accused, except Shadday Beckford, were further remanded.

The second witness, who like the first witness is a former member of the gang, started his testimony on Monday via video link from a remote location, and will continue to provide details on a number of robberies that he said he took part in with the gang.

The witness, who is being referred to as ‘Witness Two’ by the Jamaica Observer because of a court order that all witnesses remain anonymous, has so far outlined the role that was allegedly played by Police Corporal Lloyd Knight, who he said is a member of the gang.

The witness told the court that Knight, who was described as one of the gang’s “police link”, would collect money to free members who were arrested, and that he would provide the leader with information pertaining to individuals who have made reports against the gang, and also tipped off the alleged gang leader when police were looking for him.

Witness Two further testified that Knight would also identify places and people to rob, and would collect some of the loot. Knight was fingered by the witness as the person who told the gang to rob a fruit vendor in St Mary.

The witness also spoke about the robbery of businesswoman in St Catherine, who was allegedly robbed twice by the gang — the last occasion being when she was planning her wedding.

According to the witness, the police corporal was the person who had initially told the gang about the woman, but it was not his idea to rob her a second time.

The witness, during his evidence yesterday, also identified Uchence Wilson as the leader, and some of the co-accused, such as Fitzroy Scott, Stephenson “Slim” Bennett, Devin Taylor, Michel Goulbourne, Lanworth “Zeeks” Geohagen, Kenith “Blacks” Wynter, Donovan Cole, Sheldon “Bella” Christian, and Tevin Khani, as being members of the gang.