Neita-Robertson calls for speedier trials

Defence lawyer Valerie Neita-Robertson today made a special plea for someone to intervene on behalf of accused persons who cannot have their cases disposed of expeditiously.



Neita Robertson made the call in the Home Circuit Court when a murder case involving five men which has been on the court list for the last six years had to be put off.



One of the men is in custody.



The court was told that the reason for the adjournment was that one of the five accused was hospitalised and there were insufficient jurors to try the case.



The accused are Kevin Edmond, George Bailey, Kemar Whyte ,Delroy Arnold and Shawn Sinclair.



They are are charged with the murder of Erica Marshall who was fatally shot in her house in Riverton City, St Andrew in April 2004.



A court official said 890 summonses were sent out but only 43 jurors turned up.



According to Neita Robertson who is representing one of the five accused, defence lawyers and their clients were frustrated and fed up with the justice system.



She said it was frustrating to be told there were not enough jurors and pointed out that this was the situation on many occasions.



The case has so far had 13 trial dates and was put on the court list as priority three times.



The case was taken off the trial list and is now set for mention on December 10 to ascertain when the accused who is hospitalised is expected to attend court.