BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – YET again the trial of Jahari ‘Baddie’ Bart, who is accused of murdering the son of a former Commissioner of Police Austin Williams, has had his case traversed to another Criminal Assizes.
His case was to have been tried during the recently-concluded January 2016 Criminal Assizes but some difficulty was encountered when defence counsel indicated to the court that he preferred not to take on any capital matters, especially since he has yet to be properly compensated for those he did in the past.
Bart was jointly charged with his brother Kelroy ‘C Face’ Hazel for the murder of Laustin Jamie 'Big Ship' Williams who was gunned down in cold blood in Buckley’s Estate on the evening of April 6, 2011.
Since their arrest, the case has gone twice to trial and SKNVibes understands that one resulted in a mistrial and the second ended in a hung jury in relation to Bart, while a no-case submission was made on behalf of his brother and accepted by the court.
SKNVibes understands that Bart was represented by Defence Counsel Chesley Hamilton et al and this time around he told the court of his decision not to take on any further capital cases because of the aforementioned.
Provision is made for the Judiciary to appoint counsel to individuals who would not have access to such services and the Executive foots the bill.
This publication understands that Hamilton has been experiencing difficulty with compensation for over a decade and has lodged complaints – both written and oral – with the past five Attorneys General, including the current one - with a view to having the matter resolved.
When questioned by this publication about whether or not the situation has since been remedied, Hamilton’s response was that “the situation has not yet been satisfactorily dealt with”.
During the close of the Assizes earlier this week however, Hamilton informed the court of his decision to represent Bart if and when a third trial commences.
Commenting on the situation, sitting judge Justice Marlene Carter said she remains dismayed that the relevant authorities are still not seeing it fit to resolve the issue, thereby ensuring that persons who need counsel are provided that service.
The court indicated that both Dr. Henry Browne QC and Hamilton – as his junior – would be appointed to the case.
Justice Carter applauded Hamilton for offering his services.
Bart is the longest remanded person at Her Majesty’s Prison and Justice Carter indicated to him that if on May 10, 2016 (May 2016 Criminal Assizes) when he returns to court for trial his transcripts are not ready, he would be granted bail.
