Lawyers for incarcerated Dancehall superstar Vybz Kartel and his three co-accused say they are ready for his appeal case, which began today in the court of appeal.
Attorneys Tavares-Finson, Valerie Neita-Robertson and Bert Samuels who are representing the four men are working hard to overturn their convictions for the 2011 murder of Clive “Lizard” Williams.
According to Bert Samuels, who is representing Shawn “Storm” Campbell they have solid grounds as there were several inconsistencies within the actual trial which denied his client a fair outcome.
Samuels revealed that his team will argue that fresh cell tower evidence should be admitted, which was controversially omitted during the trial, which would have swung the case in the appellants’ favour.
The prolific defense team rendered documents highlighting a litany of errors committed by the trial judge, Justice Lennox Campbell, during the trial which to the conviction of the four men.
Vybz Kartel Appeal Trial: Court Allows Fresh Evidence
The team argues that the judge displayed several biases throughout the trial, chief among them was inadequate directions to the jury in respect to the law of interference, or in applying the law relating to it, which they say denied a fair and balanced assessment of the case.
Samuels claim the judge also failed to remind the jury of key exclusionary evidence, with the witness’ cell tower positioning, which is a clear violation of their client’s constitutional rights.
The lawyers also claim that much of the prosecution’s evidence should never have been allowed in the first place, including the contaminated cellphone evidence and prejudicial video evidence.
Vybz Kartel, whose real name is Adidja Palmer, was sentenced to life and will have to serve 35 years before he will be eligible for parole.
