More concerns were raised in court, surrounding charges of the former gang member now turned state witness who was at one point deeply involved in the alleged criminal organization, the Klansman gang. The former gangster previously testified how he transported members of the gang to allegedly murder people, witnessed some of these murders, had knowledge of extortion, and participated in the purchase of guns and ammunition.
On Monday a senior police witness took the stand, defending the decision not to charge the former gangster now turned crown witness, who seemingly implicated himself. The senior police said a cost-benefit analysis was done and he formed the view that the witness if charged, would have a significant negative impact on the case.
But Chief Justice Bryan Sykes intervened saying it is a judicial question if charges are to be laid or not, so the police’s assessment of the matter is at this point irrelevant. Adding that the law tells him what to do and in this case, it already has. Still, the police witness maintained that in the interest of national security and for the greater good the decision was made not to charge the witness.
Defense Attorney Lloyd Mcfarlane who represents the reputed gang leader, Andre ‘Blackman’ Bryan challenged the police witness, saying that the former gangster was not cautioned before providing a regular witness statement. McFarlane suggested that the police did not caution the former gangster, knowing very well what he said could not be used against him in court.
The police witnesses disagreed, saying it is dependent on the investigation and the approach taken, going further to say he himself previously used witnesses’ statements against them, then indicated that it was never communicated to the former gangster that he would not be charged.
Justice Sykes picked up on the argument asking what more would be needed to convince the police that such a person who has confessed to criminal activities, be charged. Quote “that person won’t even spend a day in prison?” – Additionally, sykes asked rhetorically, what’s the point of the Plea-Bargaining Legislation.
Meanwhile, it was revealed that the lone female defendant, Stephanie Christie attempted to bribe a police officer, but she was not charged. That same officer was reportedly part of an interview with the alleged gang leader some years ago, where it is said that Bryan revealed certain information. The prosecution is seeking to have this police officer as a witness, but Justice Sykes expressed reservations.
A preliminary examination of the officer will be done when the trial resumes on Tuesday morning at 10.
