Clansman Trial: Court Adjourned Due to Technical Difficulties

The high-profile trial involving reputed leader of the Clansman Gang, Andre ‘Blackman’ Bryan and his 32-co-accused ended prematurely Tuesday, September 21, following technical difficulties. All are allegedly associated with the one don gang, a faction of the feared Clansman Gang based in St. Catherine. The trial is widely considered the largest prosecution in Jamaica’s history.

They are being tried under the Criminal Justice Suppression of Criminal Organisations Act, 2014, better known as the Anti-Gang Legislation, on an indictment with 25 counts, in a judge-alone trial. On Monday, September 20, Bryan and his alleged co-accused pleaded not guilty to the offences.

Just before 11 am, Chief Justice Brian Sykes rose from the bench to ascertain the reason for the delay. Upon his return, it was disclosed that there were technical difficulties and he was unable to give a time as to when it would be fixed, based on that revelation the court was forced to adjourn for the day.

Some of the accused appeared angry and frustrated with the decision, evident by the hissing of teeth. One went further saying it was a ‘waste’ of his time.

One of the accused, Andre Smith had his bail extended; Smith is charged with being a part of a criminal organization and conspiracy to murder. All 33 defendants were handcuffed and removed from the courtroom.

Andre ‘Black Man’ Bryan and his 32-co-accused, including one woman, have allegedly engaged in serious criminal activities between January 2015 and June 2019.

The charges range from murder, conspiracy to murder, and arson to illegal possession of firearm and ammunition. The trial is expected to reconvene on Wednesday, September 22, it is hoped by then the technical issues will be resolved.

More in this CVM Live story from Robian Williams: