Zeeks looses appeal

Former Mathews Lane strongman Donald "Zeeks" Phipps will not be eligible for parole until he is 80 years old.

Phipps lost his appeal today (June 27) against his double murder conviction in the UK based Privy Council.

Zeeks, who is now 56 years old, was convicted in 2006 and sentenced to life imprisonment and ordered to serve 30 years before he could be eligible for parole.

He contended in his appeal to the Privy Council that he did not get a fair trial, because of what he calls, the overwhelming prejudice to his case.

He said the judge's direction to the jury on the issue of voice recognition was inadequate.

Phipps also argued that the verdict of the jury could not be supported, having regards to the evidence given by the crown.

In handing down it’s decision, the Privy Council held that there was no material prejudice in the case against him.

The Privy Council also said the judge, Justice Horace Marsh, had properly reminded the jury of their duty to arrive at their decision, according to the evidence.

The Privy Council says it sees no basis for Phipps challenging the decision in the Jamaican courts.

The Privy Council adds that there was ample material on which the jury could reach their conclusion.

Zeeks was convicted of the murder of Dayton Williams and Leroy Farquharson of Bayshore Park in East Kingston.

Their burnt bodies, with multiple gunshot wounds, were found in Rose Town, Downtown Kingston in April 2005.