By LAMECH JOHNSON
Tribune Staff Reporter
ljohnson@tribunemedia.net
THE trial of a man and woman facing human trafficking charges has been adjourned to October 31 due to the unavailability of the complainant in the matter.
Clayton Phillips, 40, and Lekiesha Dean-Foulkes, 38, appeared before Chief Magistrate Andrew Forbes for the expected start of their trial concerning allegations of trafficking in persons and conspiracy to engage in trafficking in persons.
It is alleged that between a date unknown and April 27, the accused pair, being concerned with others, conspired to engage in trafficking in persons.
It is then alleged that they, while “concerned with others,” engaged in the trafficking of a 26-year-old woman “for the purpose of exploitation.”
Both have denied the charges and are represented by Krysta Mason-Smith.
When the matter was called, Crown prosecutors Eucal Bonaby and Alicia Delancy alerted the chief magistrate that the complainant was not in the country and they were continuing their efforts to make contact.
The matter was adjourned to the end of next month when the prosecution may proceed with other witnesses in the matter.
Chief Magistrate Forbes said he will ensure that a stenographer is available to record the proceedings given the nature of the case.
In a separate matter before the chief magistrate, 31-year-old Xavient Taylor is also set to return to Magistrate’s Court on October 31 for the start of his trial concerning a viral video where a man is seen brandishing a firearm and making indirect death threats.
His attorney Ms Mason-Smith and Crown prosecutor Ambrose Armbrister agreed with the chief magistrate that this was also a case that required the presence of a stenographer.
Taylor, of Key West Street, faces a charge of possession of an imitation firearm with intent to put others in danger of his actions in the near two-minute long video.
The video showed a man brandishing what appeared to be a fully loaded gun with an extended magazine and making unspecified death threats, while also boasting of his shooting prowess.
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