John Morris, Troy Lawrence and Jovan Palmer, all of Montego Bay addresses, appeared before the St. James Parish Court on Thursday, July 13 on charges of possession and dealing in cocaine and taking steps preparatory to exporting cocaine.
The court has been having some challenges to secure the attendance of the overseas witnesses – a pilot and air hostesses and in a previous court appearance, Parish Judge Natalie Hart-Hines recommended an application for video link evidence. But Lawrence’s attorney Dalton Reid questioned as to why a video link when the witnesses could not be located.
Contact has since been made with the witnesses and an application for video link evidence was made by the Crown, which was subsequently served on defence council.
Having viewed the application on Thursday, attorney-at-law Martyn Thomas, who represents Morris and Palmer, said the application does not state the reason why this course is being adopted. “The application, as it is, cannot stand alone,” said Thomas.
“Our position is that the Crown had more than sufficient time to put their house in order,” Thomas added.
Meanwhile, attorney-at-law Dalton Reid, who represents Lawrence, said more information should be provided as to why there should be video link. “There is no supporting basis for video link,” said Reid.
Having listened to arguments from the defence, Parish Judge Sandria Wong-Small set the matter for mention on July 21 and extended the men’s bails.
The three men, who were employed to a catering company, were arrested March 30, 2016 for attempting to export approximately three kilograms of cocaine in nine meal containers disguised as special meals. The containers were found aboard an aircraft destined for Birmingham, England.