November 19, 2024
Ocho Rios, St. Ann. Jamaica
NEWS

CIRCUIT OPENS IN ST ANN WITH MASSIVE CASE LOAD AND FEW JURORS

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One hundred and twenty seven (127) cases are down to be tried during the Hillary session of the St Ann Circuit Court that opened Monday, January 26, 2015. Of the 127 matters, 83 are cases for the Circuit Court, or matter involving juries, while 44 cases will be tried in the Gun Court. Justice Lloyd Hibbert is presiding over the three-week session which opened in St. Ann’s Bay courthouse.Murders continue to dominate the court list, as there are 26 murder cases down for trial.In addition to the 26 murders, there are 13 cases of sexualoffence against children, nine rape cases, two sexual touching, one sexual grooming, two buggery cases and 10 cases of causing death by dangerous driving.MrJustice Hibbert,in addressing the court, urged the full cooperation of all persons including defense and prosecuting lawyers, police and their witnesses as well as the court staff. The judge said,given the case list, the full cooperation of all was being sought.He encouraged persons who are to serve as jurors not to shy away from the responsibility but move towards ensuring that justice is served.Meanwhile, the police continued to experience challenges finding people to serve as jurors.Three hundred and nine or more than three quarters of the 400 jury summonses which were prepared where not served.Only 83 summonses were served, but of that number 45 people reported for court on Monday.