UPDATE: DJ Commodore found not guilty!
The jury's decision was unanimous on both counts.
The case was one of the oldest on the High Court list and was presided over by Justice Vicki Ann Ellis.
More details to follow.
See story posted October 29, 2013
DJ Commodore trial begins in the High Court
- Deputy Premier Kedrick D. Pickering listed as a witness for the crown
Mr Ian Thomas aka DJ Commodore, who has been accused of raping and kidnapping a minor, is likely to know his fate soon as his trial commenced this afternoon, October 29, 2013 in the High Court before Justice Vicki Ann Ellis.
He pleaded not guilty to both of the charges this afternoon.
The offences allegedly occurred in Josiah’s Bay on March 23, 2011. The case is said to be one of the oldest on the High Court list.
The trial was traversed from the previous assizes, which was presided over by High Court Judge Albert Redhead.
Attorney At Law Patrick Thompson, who was handed the matter through Legal Aid, will stand in the defense of Mr Thomas with the able assistance of one of the newest lawyers at the Bar, Ms Chantal Flax.
The trial was initially set to commence this morning but the impaneling of jurors was deferred to this afternoon as they were told there were matters of the court that had to be dealt with in their absence.
When the jurors were called this morning, five were absent without notice or approval. They saw the lighter side of High Court Judge Ms Vicki Anna Ellis who instructed the clerks of the High court to ensure that they contact the absent jurors ‘personally’ via phone calls, emails or other means and advise them to appear this afternoon. “If they do not appear this afternoon I would have no other choice but to institute fines,” said Justice Ellis.
All jurors were present this afternoon with the exception of two who were absent with approved excuses.
Among the list of witnesses to be called by the Crown is Deputy Premier and Minister for Natural Resources and Labour Dr Kedrick D. Pickering.
Prior to the impaneling of the jurors, Justice Ellis had instructed the Crown to call all the names of witnesses they intended to call.
She advised jurors to indicate in honesty if they had any issues with the identified potential witnesses prior to being sworn in.
The Crown is being represented by Principal Crown Counsel Ms Tiffany Scatliffe and Senior Crown Counsel Ms Leslie Ann Faulkner.
33 Responses to “UPDATE: DJ Commodore found not guilty!”
ONE DAY ....
Commodore - get out there and enjoy your life and don't let these religious nutcases drag you into their way of thinking.
Go forward and let no one hold you back because of events in your past. I am rooting for you.
see you in church sunday; while you there join the choir- no more dj !!!!! !!
We need to get rid of this jury system.
This girl's life will not be the same