MONTEGO BAY, St James — A possession of ammunition case that has been before the court for more than a year, yet still has key forensic evidence outstanding, is now set for trial on June 9.

Christoff Gordon and Phyllis Matthews are before the court facing charges of unauthorised possession of ammunition after police allegedly discovered nine 9mm rounds during the search of a premises.

When the couple appeared in court Wednesday, presiding judge Natiesha Fairclough-Hylton extended their bail while the matter continues. Gordon and Matthews are represented by attorneys Shelly-Ann Hyman and Michael Hemmings, respectively. Items still pending in the case include a ballistics certificate intended to determine any firearm-related link to the ammunition, as well as DNA analysis results that could assist in establishing handling or possession of the recovered items.

During the hearing Hyman raised concern that the matter has remained before the court for over a year, while DNA evidence is still outstanding.

Meanwhile, Hemmings told the court his client does not reside at the premises where the ammunition was found.

“It is quite unfortunate that she has been dragged before the court. She was a mere visitor there, and she indicated that much, and this was confirmed,” Hemmings said.

He further criticised the delay in the case progression.

“It is a blatant disrespect to ask the court to sit and wait to get information as it relates to a file that has been before the court for one year… I asked for an assessment of the file on numerous occasions to make a determination if they have a
prima facie against my client. No assessment of the file has been made…The elements of the offence cannot be proven against Miss Phyllis Matthews. In all seriousness, the matter ought to end against her today,” Hemmings argued.

Following submissions Judge Fairclough-Hylton instructed that contact be made with the investigating officer to obtain confirmed updates on the status of the ballistics certificate and DNA report.

Court records state that a police team executed a search warrant at a residence where Gordon was reportedly seen exiting through a back door carrying a brown paper bag. Upon noticing police identifying themselves, he allegedly ran back inside and closed the door.

Police later entered the premises and conducted a search, during which a brown paper bag containing nine 9mm rounds was allegedly found.

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