Suspected ‘terror gang’ member on trial for murder

Basil Morgan who was believed to have been part and parcel of a gang that carried out several terror-related crimes almost nine years ago has finally appeared in the High Court for trial.

Among the crimes the gang allegedly carried out was setting fire to a public building – the Supreme Court of Judicature’s Registry department. However, State Prosecutors opted to institute a murder charge only relative to the demise of Woddet Roberts, called “Buck Man”, who was killed during the course of a robbery between November 3 and November 4, 2009.

When the accused, Morgan appeared before Justice James Bovell-Drakes on Tuesday, he pleaded not guilty to murdering Roberts. As such, a 12-member jury was empanelled to hear the case which is being led by Prosecutor Tuanna Hardy for the State. Police said Morgan was part of the gang that robbed the now deceased man and stole a Toyota Tacoma vehicle along the Linden-Soesdyke highway.

Morgan’s alleged accomplices, David Anthony Watson, called “Tupac”, Randy Mars, known as “Ratty”, and Jafar Simpson, were sentenced to 19 years’ imprisonment in April 2017 after pleading guilty to manslaughter for Roberts’ killing. They were additionally sentenced for other terror-related crimes.

Meanwhile, gang leader Colin Jones admitted guilt for the 2009 terror acts and was sentenced to 80 years’ imprisonment for the offences he inflicted between 2009 and 2010.

Morgan’s trial continues before Justice Bovell-Drakes on Thursday. He is represented by defence counsel Lyndon Amsterdam.