Judge leaves courtroom after Wildman and prosecutor clash at murder trial of six cops

Presiding judge Justice Sonia Bertram Linton today abruptly left the bench following a heated exchange between senior prosecutor Kathy Ann Pyke and defence attorney Hugh Wildman during the trial of six police officers accused of the murder of three men 13 years ago.

The incident unfolded after Wildman raised an objection during the testimony of the prosecution’s main witness.

The judge called for “some order” as both attorneys argued over who had the floor.

However, the judge had quickly returned to adjourn the matter as the court had reached the 1:00 p.m. break.

The witness had testified that, following the fatal shooting of the three men, he discussed what he had seen with his partner and later wrote a letter to the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM).

Wildman, who had previously objected, rose again, arguing that the witness was breaching the rule against self-corroboration.

However, Pyke, who was leading the evidence-in-chief, refused to yield, stating, “I am not taking my seat. I am on my feet.”

“May we have some order, please,” Justice Bertram Linton said, as Wildman shouted that he was taking an objection.

Shortly thereafter, the judge exited the courtroom.

After the judge left, Wildman made a sotto voce remark, which drew the ire of Pyke.

Moments later, Pyke also left the courtroom after admonishing Wildman, telling him not to address her in that manner.

“Do not speak to me like that. Don’t you dare speak to me like that. You are rude and out of order,” she said.

Proceedings were temporarily disrupted as tensions remained high in the courtroom during the trial involving serious criminal charges.

The case arose from the controversial fatal shooting of Matthew Lee, Mark Allen, and Ucliffe Dyer along Arcadia Drive, St Andrew, on January 12, 2013.

Those on trial are Sergeant Simroy Mott, Corporal Donovan Fullerton, and constables Andrew Smith, Sheldon Richards, Orandy Rose, and Richard Lynch.

Corporal Fullerton is also charged with making a false statement to INDECOM.

The defence team comprises attorneys Hugh Wildman, Althea Grant, Linda Wright-Ashley, Anthony Armstrong, and John Jacobs.

- Tanesha Mundle

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