Shab Don denied passort return request
DONAHUE Martin, attorney-at-law representing dancehall producer Linval “Shab Don” Thompson Jr, said he will be making another effort to have his client’s passport returned after an initial request was denied in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court in Half-Way-Tree on Tuesday.
“Prosecutors indicated my client’s file was ready. I asked for a report from the Scene of Crime department, and indicated my intention to have my client’s passport returned. I never made a formal application but put her (the judge) on notice that I intend to convince her at a later date. The judge indicated a reluctance and indicated that she wouldn’t consider allowing him to travel. I told her I was going to attempt to convince her when it is convenient to do so,” he told the Jamaica Observer.
According to a police report in October 2021, members of the Specialised Operations SWAT team searched a vehicle Thompson Jr and co-accused Romario “BMR” Scott were travelling in and found an illegal loaded gun. It is alleged that Thompson Jr tried to bribe the police officer with a sum of $2 million. The incident occurred on South Street in Old Harbour.
Both men were subsequently charged.
Scott pleaded guilty in April 2022 and is currently serving six years and one month for possession of a firearm, and four years and one month for possession of ammunition in prison. The sentences will run concurrently.
The son of singer Linval Thompson, Thompson Jr — who always dons a cap and mask — is principal of Shab Don Records, and has been making a name for himself in musical circles.
His production credits include Vybz Kartel’s Any Weather, Squash’s Money Fever, Shub Out by Teejay, and Money We Love by Chronic Law, Squash, and Vybz Kartel.