After 2 months of hearing evidence, a Judge of the High Court today declared a mistrial in the Oscar Bartholomew criminal matter involving accused Shawn Ganness, Wendel Sylvester, Roddy Felix and Edward Gibson.
The decision of High Court Judge Victoria Charles-Clarke came after Defence Counsel last Thursday (December 1st, 2022) made submissions that a mistrial ought to be declared following certain prejudicial information to which jurors in the matter were exposed.
In her ruling this morning, the Judge also imposed a Gag Order on further reporting, publication or republication on the Oscar Bartholomew matter until the completion of the matter which is scheduled to begin on April 24th, 2023.
The decision of the High Court Judge was taken in the interest of ensuring a fair trial of the Accused to which they are entitled under the Constitution.
The four Accused are being represented by Dr Francis Alexis KC, Arley Gill, Ruggles Ferguson, Sheriece Noel and Anslem Clouden. The Crown is being represented by the Director of Public Prosecutions Christopher Nelson KC and Senior Crown Counsel Crisann Greenidge.
Dated: 5th December 2022
Christopher Nelson KC
DPP
On behalf the Prosecution
Ruggles Ferguson
On behalf of the Defense
