Witness denies taking revenge against alleged former cronies

DEFENCE ATTORNEYS yesterday suggested that a witness, who is said to be a former member of the Uchence Wilson Gang, gave evidence against his former alleged cronies as an act of revenge.

Attorney-at-law Richard Lynch said that the witness implicated his client, Michael ‘Judge’ Lamont, in illicit activities because he was allegedly beaten by him.

But the former gang member disagreed with the assertion.

Lynch also asked: “Were you aware at the time you were giving your statement to the police about the incidents that you could have been charged for them as well?”

“Yes, sir,” the witness said. The attorney also said, “I am suggesting to you that you felt comfortable giving details of the alleged incidents because you knew you weren’t going to be charged.”

The witness replied, “I was actually surprised … . I don’t agree with your suggestion.”

The witness was undergoing cross-examination during the trial for reputed gang leader Uchence Wilson and his 23 alleged gang members at the Kingston-based Home Circuit Court.

Attorney-at-law Tamika Harris made similar assertions, suggesting that the witness was angry with her client, Devin Taylor, for not stopping the beating.

Taylor was said to be in a relationship with the witness’ aunt Judith Johnson, who is also an alleged member of the gang.

The witness maintained that he was not being untruthful about Taylor’s participation in the gang and asserted that he was not trying to take revenge.

Harris said, “I am suggesting to you that you have no conscience and came to court for revenge against Devin Taylor.”

The former gang member said, “I do not agree with your suggestion.”

The witness also underwent cross-examination by Denise Hinson, who is representing Michael Gouldbourne; Xavier Leveridge for Donovan Cole; Roxane Amith for Keron ‘Tall Man’ Walters; and Donna McIntosh Brice Gayle for Kenith Wint.

Wilson and 23 other persons, including four women and a policeman, are on trial for breaches of the anti-gang legislation for crimes allegedly committed between 2015 and 2017.

The trial will continue today with the cross-examination of the witness by attorney-at-law Donald Bryan, who is representing Dane Edwards.