High Court Judge cautions media in Mario Deane trial

High Court Justice Courtney Daye cautioned that witnesses who have provided testimony in the trial of three police personnel implicated in the 2014 beating death of Mario Deane should be mindful when speaking to the media afterward, as their statements or opinions could potentially prejudice either the prosecution or the defense.

Justice Daye was speaking in court on Tuesday. 

He emphasised that while the trial is a public proceeding, the media should exercise discretion when conducting interviews with witnesses and in revealing the identities of those involved. Though no formal complaints have been made regarding breaches of court policies, he acknowledged concerns about how information is shared.

Justice Daye also noted that while he does not personally follow social media, he is aware of widespread commentary that could unfairly influence the case. He stressed that the judiciary has a duty to ensure a fair trial and urged the media to practice self-regulation in their reporting.

Deane, 31, was beaten while in custody at the Barnett Street Police Station lockup in Montego Bay, St James on August 3, 2014, for possession of a ganja ‘spliff’, and died three days later at the Cornwall Regional Hospital (CRH) in Montego Bay.

The case has been postponed many times since the three police personnel’s initial appearance in the St James Circuit Court on September 18, 2018.

There has been a major challenge to get a jury empanelled for the case, which has been set for trial for some time.