Eight murder cases for October Assizes

Eight cases of murder are among the fifty cases listed for the October sitting of the criminal assizes which began on Tuesday before the High Court.

Of the eight cases of murder, five are retrials. {{more}}

The retrials include the cases involving Harry Wilson of Gomea and Patrick Lovelace of Belmont.

Wilson was charged with the murder of his two year old daughter, and attempted murder of another infant and wife. He was convicted and sentenced to hang in 2003, but the Court of Appeal subsequently ordered a retrial.

Murder-accused Patrick Lovelace has been given a date with a Judge and Jury.

Lovelace, indicted for the July 2002 murder of twelve year old Lokeisha Nanton of Sion Hill, is expected to appear before a High Court Judge and twelve- member jury in the October sitting of the assizes.

The naked body of Lokeisha, a member of the Sion Hill Euphoneum steel orchestra, was found hanging from a mango tree during the 2002 carnival season. Her blouse was tied around her neck.

Lovelace was committed to stand trial earlier this year and his trial was set for October because a key witness was said to be residing overseas.

Meanwhile, the October assizes list includes eighteen cases of wounding, nine cases of unlawful sexual intercourse, two cases of rape, three cases of burglary, one case of arson, two cases of theft, three cases of forgery, one case of manslaughter, three attempted murders and one kidnapping.

The assizes are being presided over by resident Judge, Justice Louise Blennman. Director of Public Prosecutions (Ag) Colin Williams is leading the Prosecution.