Kartel's Conspiracy Trial Delayed

The corruption trial of popular entertainers Vybz Kartel and Gaza Slim failed to start today because of late serving of documents and unsettled legal representation for an accused. 

Gaza Slim, whose given name is Vanessa Saddler, and Kartel whose given name is Adidja Palmer along with Andre Henry, have been charged with attempting and conspiracy to pervert the course of justice in 2011.

Attorney-at-Law Nicole Burgher, who appeared for Gaza Slim, complained to the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate’s Court this afternoon that, she had just been served five witness statements and therefore was not able to peruse the documents.

She asked presiding magistrate Simone Wolfe-Reese for an adjournment.

Burgher was standing in for Saddler’s attorney Pierre Rogers who is off the island. 

Meanwhile, the lawyer for Henry, Peter Champagnie, said his representation for the accused needs to be settled.

After hearing the lawyers’ concerns, the magistrate adjourned the case and set a mention date for Thursday.  Wolfe-Reece says she is very disappointed with the issues that delayed the trial.

Meanwhile, Kartel’s attorney Tom Tavares-Finson was represented in court today by his son, Christian. He told the court that the team is ready and prepared for trial.

Charges were brought against the three after Saddler filed a police report claiming that she was robbed at gunpoint by a man she identified as Clive “Lizard” Williams.

Williams is the man Kartel has since been convicted of killing.

Police investigators alleged that the report by Saddler was an attempt to assist Kartel’s case.

Kartel, who is serving a life sentence, turned up at court today wearing a grey T-shirt and orange cargo shorts.

Source-JA.Gleaner