Andre ‘Blackman’ Bryan has been found guilty of being the leader of the notorious One Don faction of the Spanish Town based Klansman Gang.
The verdict was delivered today by Chief Justice Brian Skyes in the Home Circuit Court.
Justice Sykes told the convicted gangster that the evidence confirmed his role was to plan, give directions and organise the commission of serious crimes.
Robian Williams has more.
The Chief Justice said notwithstanding his good character reference and his denial that he ever gave orders to kill anyone, the evidence indicated that Bryan was the leader of the One Don faction of Klansman.
He said Bryan’s leadership role was also evident by the secretly recorded conversations by the former gangster turned state witness.
Among the things that were discussed was a strategy orchestrated by the sole female defendant, Stephanie Cole Christie, to rid the streets of disloyal members of the gang.
The witness said he understood that Christie provided the police with information in an attempt to get some of the gangsters arrested.
The witness said he got the impression that she was cleaning up the streets for Bryan to come out out of jail to “take over back”.
In one recording, Christie was heard saying that the case against Bryan was weak and he would soon return.
The witness was heard telling Bryan that if the plan was successful, he would return to his place of pre-eminence.
Justice Sykes said these discussions were held on the premise that Bryan was the leader.
He stated that nothing in the recording suggested that Bryan took a different view of the matter.
He added that evidence given on several counts on the indictment are consistent with that perception.
Justice Sykes said it was clear that they were looking forward to Bryan’s return.
There was even a conversation about the acquisition of a house, preferably in a gated community where Bryan would stay when he was released from custody.
Sykes said Christie was relating to Bryan in his capacity as leader.
The summation will resume on Wednesday morning at 10.
Meanwhile, three defendants in the One Don/Klansman Gang trial were freed of all charges against them Tuesday.
Bryan’s brother, Kevaugn Green, Khalifa Williams, Pete and Pete Miller were all found not guilty of being part of the criminal organisation.
This brings the total number of individuals freed since the start of the trial, to nine.
Thirty-three defendants were initially on trial.
One of the accused Andre Smith, was shot and killed in August of last year, while he was on bail.
Twenty-three defendants remain, including the convicted leader of the gang, Andre ‘Blackman’ Bryan.
