KINGSTON, Jamaica – Denials are flowing fast and furious from the lips of several accused who, from the docks of the Supreme Court in downtown Kingston, are now giving unsworn statements disputing any ties to the Klansman gang.

One accused, Pete Miller, in vociferously denying any ties whatsoever to the gang, declared “mi could never join Klansman gang, cause a Klansman kill mi father, one a dem weh kill mi father inna di court right now. Mi coulda nevah inna no gang with Klansman,” Miller said almost angrily.

He went on to dispute the testimony of witness one who, in saying he knew Miller, had described his legs as bent.

Miller’s request of the trial judge to allow him to walk from the docks and strut before him so he could see for himself that his legs were not bent evoked much laughter from those in the courtroom.

READ: Blackman’s brother says he’s just an innocent labourer

According to Miller, he was working in a bakery at the time the witness said he was part of the double murder of two men from Denham Town. He further denied being seen at any party being held for the alleged gang leader, Andre ‘Blackman’ Bryan, saying he was in custody at the time.

He, like the other accused who Wednesday morning gave unsworn statements, said the first time he laid eyes on the alleged leader of the gang was at the trial.

Only one accused, Kalifa Williams, otherwise called ‘Baba’, has so far taken the actual witness stand to give a sworn testimony.

Williams challenged the evidence of the witness who told the court that he was a contract killer for the gang, he also denied having known Bryan before being incarcerated. One accused, Tomrick Taylor has so far chosen “to remain silent”.

Seven accused have so far given unsworn statements.

– Alicia Dunkley-Willis