Lawyers ask for leniency in Clansman trial

The lawyers of convicted gang members Michael Whitely and Tomrick Taylor have asked Chief Justice Bryan Sykes to exercise leniency, as their clients wait to be sentenced later today. 

The men are a part of the 15 convicted members of the Clansman-One Don Gang currently before the Home Circuit Court. 

Kimani Brydson, who is representing Taylor, argued that this was his client's first conviction and gang conviction which should be accepted as a mitigating factor.

Brydson raised that his client was raised singled-handedly by his mother and was influenced by violence and gang activities in his community. He asked the judge not use the sentence as a means of retribution or prevention as Taylor is a suitable candidate for leniency.

Kamisha Mittoo, speaking on Whitely's behalf, expressed that her client is not beyond redemption and has suffered loss. She asked the judge to take into account that he did not have a father figure in his life.

Additionally, the lawyer requested that the judge start at 10 years when calculating a sentence, and credit him for the five years and five months that he has spent in custody.

Attorney-at-law Keith Bishop in requesting leniency for Lamar Simpson, asked the judge to consider that he developed tuberculosis in prison and that prison conditions would not be conducive to his health.

The lawyer who also quoted scriptures, cited that Jamaica is a Christian society and asked that forgiveness be shown to his client.

The 34-year-old father of two was also convicted of being apart of a criminal organisation.

Bishop also asked that his client be credited for the 4 years and six months that he has already spent in custody.

Meanwhile lawyers for Michael Whitely and Tomrick Taylor who are convicted for being a member of a criminal organisation argued that they are not beyond rehabilitation.

- Tanesha Mundle 

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