Following the Privy Council’s decision to quash the murder convictions of Dancehall Entertainer, Adidja “Vybz Kartel” Palmer, Shawn “Shawn Storm” Campbell, Kahira Jones, and Andre St. John, their lawyers say they will be seeking bail as soon as possible.

In handing down the ruling today, the Privy Council said the convictions have been quashed on the grounds of juror misconduct.

Palmer, Jones, St. John and Campbell were convicted of the murder of Clive “Lizard” Williams, 10 years ago, in March 2014. 

Their lawyers then brought the matter before the Privy Council, citing issues with evidence among other things.

Following today’s ruling, the lawyers said the 4 men have been incarcerated for long enough, and the aim is to have them reintegrated into society, as quickly as possible.

No interest in retrial

“We are not interested in a retrial!” 

That’s the defining statement from the attorneys representing Vybz Kartel and his co-appellants. 

Two lawyers waited this morning for the Privy Council to announce the fate of their clients. 

The court then announced a quashing of the murder convictions, and instructions for the matter to return to the local court in Jamaica, for a determination on retrial.

Though grateful that the privy council quashed the convictions, Bert Samuels who represents Shawn “Shawn Storm” Campbell said it would not be in the best interest of his client to have him placed on a retrial.

Meanwhile, one of Kartel’s attorneys Alessandra LaBeach, in agreeing with Samuels’ assessment, said among other things, fresh evidence will have to be brought forward for a fair retrial to take place. 

The next step is to make bail applications for the 4 men, pending the decision on a re-trial. 

Meanwhile, the UK Privy Council today outlined various reasons for its ruling on the matter involving Vybz Kartel and his co appellants.

Law Lord Lloyd Jones said the ruling was made on the basis that the trial judge took no action regarding the jury, after a bribery attempt.

He further explained that the trial judge took no account of the impact that the bribery had on other jurors.