Defence counsel seek to bore holes in detective corporal’s testimony
Published:Friday | February 6, 2026 | 12:12 AMAndre Williams/Staff Reporter
The first prosecution witness was subjected to nearly two hours of sustained cross-examination on Thursday as the high-profile Clansman Gang trial against reputed leader Tesha Miller and 24 co-accused continued in the Home Circuit Division of the Supreme Court.
The witness, a detective corporal with 13 years of service in the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), was repeatedly questioned by defence attorneys about the details of a police operation he said he participated in, as lawyers sought to challenge both his recollection and the reliability of his testimony.
The intense questioning focused largely on evidence the officer gave during his examination-in-chief on Wednesday, as well as a brief continuation during Thursday morning’s session.
Defence attorneys probed his memory of events, operational procedures, and the basis for decisions taken during the exercise.
The officer, who was then a detective constable, testified that he was part of a special operation carried out on March 5, 2023, at 56 North Avenue in Spanish Town, St Catherine.
John Clarke, attorney representing Miller and several other defendants, questioned the officer about the composition of the police team.
“March 5, 2023, how many persons were on the team that went to North Avenue?” Clarke asked.
“I don’t recall the exact number, but it was close to 20 persons,” the detective corporal said.
Clarke also asked whether the officer was assigned to the National Strategic Anti-Gang Unit (NSAU), to which he responded, “No, sir.”
Pressed about timing and logistics, Clarke asked, “What time did you arrive at North Avenue? And the vehicle was driven by who?”
“Five-thirty to 5:45 a.m. ... I can’t recall. I don’t remember who was the driver on that day,” the officer said.
Defence attorney Iqbal Cheverria, who represents defendant Chevon Thomas, continued the cross-examination.
“On March 5, you were assigned to provide coverage to the rear of the premises?” Cheverria asked.
“Yes, sir,” the officer replied.
“After the breach team cleared the house, you went in the house?” Cheverria continued.
“Yes, sir.”
“You entered from the back door?”
“Yes, sir.”
Cheverria referred the witness to his earlier testimony, asking, “... In your evidence you said you glanced around and saw three men exiting a motor vehicle?”
“Yes, sir. ... At the back door to the left side, I can glance around and I am able to see the front of the premises, at the front to the roadway,” the officer said.
The witness identified a statement he purportedly wrote by recognising his regulation number and signatures. At one point, a tape measure was produced in court to illustrate a distance of 46 feet, nine inches, which the officer estimated was the distance from the back door to the front of the premises.
BRIEF DISRUPTION
Defence attorney Denise Hinson, representing Conroy Cadogan, Charon Gilzene, and Rolando Hall, conducted a brief but firm cross-examination, at times telling the witness, “No need to get smart with me,” and “Don’t ‘hmm hmm’ me, please.”
Asked whether there was a red or burgundy car parked at the front of the premises, the officer replied, “I can’t recall.”
When asked if the defendant was considered a high-value target, he answered, “Yes.” He also confirmed he did not see children at the time of the shooting.
The proceedings were briefly disrupted before the afternoon break when defendant Travis Drummond reportedly became ill, spotted by co-defendant Dr Paul Robinson. Through his attorney, the issue was brought to the attention of Justice Dale Pinnock, prompting the court to adjourn and order immediate medical examinations for all defendants.
The trial, which has attracted heightened security, involves allegations of organised criminal activity linked to the Clansman Gang, with Miller and his co-accused facing multiple serious charges.
Proceedings are now set to resume on February 9, pending the outcome of the court-ordered medical assessments.