Judge Rejects Bid to Push Back Clansman Gang Trial, Cites Fairness and Court Efficiency

Justice Dale Palmer has rejected a prosecution request to postpone the trial of alleged Clansman Gang leader Tesha Miller and 24 co-accused until June, ruling that such a delay would be unfair to the defendants and an inefficient use of court resources.

The judge said the case has been before the court for some time and that the Crown must now prepare to proceed. While acknowledging the challenges faced by prosecutors, he noted that a long adjournment would deny the accused timely access to justice. However, Justice Palmer indicated that a short adjournment could be allowed, with a decision to be made after a Friday hearing.

Palmer also directed that the Commissioner of Corrections attend the next sitting to address complaints from defence lawyers about restrictions on electronic devices in correctional facilities, which they say hinder access to digital evidence. The head of the Communication, Forensics and Cybercrime Division has also been invited to discuss delays in outstanding forensic reports.

All 25 defendants appeared in the Home Circuit Court at the start of their bench trial under the Criminal Justice Suppression of Criminal Organizations Act. Prosecutors allege the men were members of the Clansman Gang and carried out multiple crimes in St Catherine between 2017 and 2022, including murder, attempted murder, robbery and illegal possession of firearms.

Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Yannick Forbes told the court the Crown was not trial-ready due to incomplete disclosure and pending forensic evidence, arguing that proceeding could prejudice the accused. Defence attorneys raised concerns about fairness and access to digital material. All defendants were remanded except one, whose bail was extended.