BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – Jonel ‘J2’ Merritt’s hope of having his wounding with intent conviction overturned was dashed into nothingness when the Eastern Caribbean Court of Appeal dismissed his appeal against conviction and sentence.
Merritt was convicted of the gun-related offence in May year and was sentenced to serve eight years at Her Majesty’s Prison. Merritt was found guilty of drawing a gun and shooting Terrence Hendrickson on March 31, 2007. The incident took place at College Street Ghaut, Basseterre.
Owing to the victim’s unwillingness to give evidence during the trial, the prosecution relied chiefly on the evidence of Police Constable Ray Farrell who, according to his testimony, lived in proximity to where the incident occurred and witnessed it.
Forwarding arguments on the appellant’s behalf was Dr. Henry Browne, who explained that the trial judge failed to warn the jury about the danger of convicting someone on the uncorroborated identification made by a sole witness.
He stated that the evidence is “far too tenuous” for one to be satisfied that the case was proven beyond reasonable doubt.
Respondent, Director of Public Prosecution Paulina Hendrickson contested that the officer’s evidence was “strong” and the appellant was “properly convicted”.
The presiding Justices of Appeal informed that they found no merit in the grounds of Merritt’s appeal and ordered that the decision of the High Court on both conviction and sentence be affirmed.
Merritt was taken back to Her Majesty’s Prison where he will continue serving his sentence which began on May 29, 2008.
