Family members shot by soldier still awaiting compensation from gov't

Five family members who were seriously injured when a Jamaica Defence Force soldier, in a fit of rage, sprayed their house with bullets 20 years ago, are venting their frustration that they are still fighting a legal battle for compensation from the government.

They had filed a suit against the Attorney General (AG) in 2010 seeking damages, which include aggravated and exemplary damages, as well as compensation for devastating psychological, mental trauma and anguish.

Attorney-at-law Jerome Spencer said today that matter is set for assessment of damages next week in the Supreme Court.

Spencer, who is being instructed by Nigel Jones & Company, disclosed that the AG accepted liability in 2011.

The claimants, Spencer said, have indicated that they are frustrated with the long delay in the matter being settled.

The claimants have indicated that despite a detailed proposal in March last year for settlement of their claim for compensation, their lawyers have not received any response from the AG.

They said further that they have to be getting psychiatric assistance because of the horrific and traumatic effects of the incident.

Michael Williams, who was a 33-year-old JDF corporal when he committed the gruesome act on December 12, 2004, had pleaded guilty in February 2006 to illegal possession of firearm and shooting with intent.

He was sentenced to 15 years' imprisonment.

The facts of the case were that Williams' girlfriend had refused to speak to him.

He went to Up Park Camp and returned with an Uzi submachine gun and a pistol which he used to fire shots into the house in Allman Town in Kingston where his girlfriend and other family members lived.

Five of his girlfriend's family members, including a three-year-old, were injured during the incident.

An army officer, in giving character evidence for Williams, had said that he was having psychological problems and was also suffering from stress and had received treatment at the clinic at Up Park Camp.

The officer said Williams wanted to go on leave but was not given the approval.

The judge, in passing sentence, said then that it was an indictment on the JDF that Williams was suffering from depression and was denied leave.

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