Munga Honorable's trial delayed over non-disclosure of phone evidence

The murder trial involving dancehall artiste Munga Honorable failed to start today after the prosecution discovered that a piece of phone evidence was not disclosed to the defence, his attorney said.

The case has now been scheduled for a trial readiness hearing on April 30.

The entertainer, whose real name is Damian Rhoden, and his co-defendant Sherdian Gordon are charged with the May 2017 murder of Cleveland Smith.

Rhoden's attorney Christopher Townsend said the prosecution applied for an adjournment after discovering that a phone data report was not disclosed to the defence.

“Again, we are very concerned about it (the delay) but the prosecution has a duty to serve us and it might also inured to our benefit I also dare report," he told The Gleaner.

The case, which was scheduled to start in the Home Circuit Court in Kingston, was taken off the trial list.

The trial was first set for May 29, 2023.

Smith was allegedly accosted by a group of men, one reportedly armed with a gun, at a dance in Ackee Walk, St Andrew, the police reported.

An altercation ensued resulting in Smith being shot and killed.

Prior to his death, Smith had injured Munga Honorable in a machete attack.

Smith was a nephew of entertainer Mr Vegas.

Attorney-at-law Kaysian Kennedy Sherman is also representing Rhoden.

King’s Counsel Peter Champagnie is representing his co-accused.

The men have denied involvement in the killing.

- Tanesha Mundle

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