Dozens of defendants may have their day in court in the next three months, as the February Assizes began Tuesday with 31 cases.
Director of Public Prosecutions Elizabeth Hinds told Justice Rita Joseph-Olivetti that 15 of the 31 cases are new matters. The cases to be heard include murder, attempted murder, rape, death by dangerous driving and other matters.
In the first trial, which started Tuesday, Bernard Charles is facing accusations of indecent assault.
On Monday jurors will consider whether Wendell Varlack, a taxi driver whose vehicle allegedly struck and killed 22-year-old Tofficah Thompson on April 13, 2010, should be convicted of causing death by dangerous driving. Danny Benjamin’s trial on wounding charges is set as a backup matter.
Kenville Pope, Carl Wheatley, Troy Prince, and a 17-year-old defendant are also scheduled to report to court that day.
See the Feb. 9, 2012 edition for full coverage.