Trial of men in Bog Walk Gorge floodgate breach stalled

The trial of the two men charged over breaching the padlock of a floodgate in the Bog Walk Gorge in St Catherine was unable to start today as one of the accused is in hospital nursing gunshot wounds.

When the case was called up, the St Catherine Parish Court was informed that Garth Brown is currently a patient at the Kingston Public Hospital.

A new trial date of March 19, 2024 was set.

A warrant for Brown's arrest was also stayed.

Bail was further extended for his co-accused Glenroy Denton.

Both men are answering charges of malicious destruction of property and unauthorised access.

Reports are that the National Works Agency ordered the closure of the Dam Head floodgate on September 26, 2022, due to flooding in the gorge from the Rio Cobre. 

Denton, a bus operator, and Brown were subsequently seen breaking the padlock on the floodgate and travelling along the roadway.

The incident was caught on camera.

Both were later arrested and charged.

They have made numerous court appearances and have maintained their innocence.

- Rasbert Turner

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