Character witnesses have begun giving evidence on behalf of three convicted, St Lucy men.
Three witnesses sent in signed statements to the court regarding Andre Omar ‘Lord Evil’ Jackman which were read into evidence by his attorney Michael Lashley Q.C.
One man gave evidence for Kaeron Sylvian Moore during today’s virtual sitting of the No. 3 Supreme Court and his lawyer Shadia Simpson informed Justice Carlisle Greaves that she would endeavour to furnish the court with another character statement in written form.
No one was present for Shane Hakeem Omar Babb this morning but his attorney Verla Depeiza said she will go the route of having signed statements for the November 10 sitting.
The three men, who are currently on remand at Dodds, were found guilty by a jury earlier this year of having an illegal firearm in their possession as well as unlawfully and recklessly engaging in conduct that placed Reshawn Greaves and Michael Abbott in danger of death or serious bodily harm on September 30, 2018.
Additionally, Moore and Babb were also found guilty of damaging a house belonging to Chrisandra Greaves. The offences stemmed from a shooting incident in St Lucy.
Lashley disclosed that retired principal Jeffrey Broome had written on behalf of Jackman. In his statement Broome said he had known Jackman all his life and he had always been respectful and decent before him. He described Jackman as a man of “strong intellect” adding that his comments about the convicted man were consistent with what he knows of him.
Another witness statement by Elmore Roach stated that he had known Jackman for over 30 years and described their friendship as one of respect. Ryan Corbin, an attorney-at-law and forensic scientist, said he met Jackman while at the Barbados Community College as students in 1995 and again at the Arawak Cement Plant where they both worked. He described Jackman as having a “stellar work ethic, sharp mind” and one who had the ability to work under pressure in a stressful environment. Corbin said if given an opportunity, he believed that the convicted man would be of great value to his society and family.
Moore’s former boss, the manager at Broomfield Farm, described him as a hard worker who was keen to learn and showed leadership skills. He reported no behavioral issues while Moore worked with him.
When the case resumes in two weeks, the court is expected to hear more evidence from character witnesses and it is also expected that the men’s attorneys as well as those for the prosecution, Senior Crown Counsel Neville Watson and Acting Senior Crown Counsel Rudolph Burnett will make their sentencing submissions and mitigation.
