VYBZ KARTEL APPEAL: Defence accuses DPP of misconduct

Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Paula Llewellyn, has been accused of prosecutorial misconduct during the Vybz Kartel murder trial. 

Vybz Kartel, whose given name is Adidja Palmer, Shawn Storm, whose given name is Shawn Campbell, and their co-convicts, Kahira Jones and Andre St John are seeking to have their 2014 convictions quashed.

They were convicted of killing Clive Williams at a house in Havendale, St Andrew in August 2011.

IN PHOTO: Bert Samuels

Bert Samuels, Shawn Storm's lead attorney, argued that the misconduct centred around Llewellyn's advice to the presiding judge to continue the trial knowing that one of the jurors was allegedly trying to bribe his colleagues "fi leggo de man dem."

He made the assertion in the Court of Appeal this morning as Shawn Storm and his mentor, top entertainer Vybz Kartel, begin their quest to have their murder convictions and lengthy prison sentences overturned.

IN PHOTO: Paula Llewellyn

Samuels, citing transcripts from the murder trial, noted that Justice Lennox Campbell enquired of prosecutors and defence attorneys "can we possibly continue [with the trial] or bring it to an end?" after learning of the alleged $500,000 bribe.

He said over the objections of defence attorneys, Llewellyn suggested that the trial continue and that the seven-member jury be given a warning about the oath they took.

Samuels argued, too, that at one point Llewellyn indicated in court that it was the prosecution that would be at a disadvantage because of the alleged bribes.

"That concedes that she acknowledged that the jury is tainted and no longer independent," the attorney charged.

"The advice that was given in itself amounted to prosecutorial misconduct," he added.