BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – AFTER almost three years in waiting, Jermaine Browne yesterday afternoon (May 25) walked out of the Basseterre High Court freed on an armed robbery charge.
The Cart Part, Sandy Point resident’s trial started on Tuesday (May 23) and lasted for two days during which time four prosecution witnesses were called to testify.
This was the second trial of his matter; the first having resulted in a hung jury on June 26, 2009.
However, on this occasion, Browne was freed by a jury of his peers who returned a 11-1 verdict in his favour.
The prosecution alleged that on June 21, 2008 an armed, masked man held up the delivery van of Annie Jones’ Bakery and robbed Justin Joseph and Leon Douglas, employees of the business, of EC$240.
Although the attacker was masked, the prosecution alleged that Douglas identified the attacker as Browne due to his voice which he was familiar with.
Browne, who was represented by Barrister-at-Law Jason Hamilton of Hamilton & Co., chose to remain silent in his defence but through his attorney challenge the identification evidence that was brought against him.
At the end of the trial, Browne said, “I am thankful that the matter is over. It has been hanging over my head for three years now and I am just glad it’s over. My lawyer did a great job in showing that they had the wrong man all the time.”
SKNVibes contacted Hamilton, who briefly stated that the evidence presented against his client had left more questions than answers.
“We didn’t think the evidence, particularly the identification evidence, was convincing and left more questions than answers. On the first occasion when this matter was tried, the jury couldn’t decide one way or the other as to Jermaine’s guilt or innocence; but the second time around we were better prepared and we managed to get a verdict in our favor.
I’m glad that Jermaine can move on with his life having put this incident behind him, and I hope he makes the best of this second chance,” Hamilton said.
