Kidnapping and Wounding Trial Set for Two Accused

Two men accused in a high-profile kidnapping and wounding case are set to face trial after plea negotiations with the Crown fell apart today in the High Court. Thirty-three-year-old Oliver Sutherland and 24-year-old Elvin Smith are accused of kidnapping and wounding a 15-year-old minor on March 12, 2021. They appeared this morning in the court of Justice Derick Sylvester. The duo had hoped to plead guilty to the lesser charge of wounding, but Crown Counsel Glenford Dennison refused their offer and insisted on a guilty plea for kidnapping. After both sides failed to reach an agreement, Justice Sylvester adjourned the matter for trial and set the date for January 20, 2025. Attorney Leeroy Banner, representing the accused men, had sought sentencing indications for wounding, believing that with mitigation and consideration for time already spent on remand, the men might be released. However, the Crown stood firm on the kidnapping charge, which carries a potential sentence of 10 years to life imprisonment. Following the adjournment, Attorney Banner made submissions for bail on behalf of both men. Smith was granted bail under strict conditions, including a $10,000 bond with two sureties of $5,000 each. He must report to a designated police station once a week. He is also required to attend all court dates and avoid committing any further offenses. Smith’s lengthy incarceration of nearly four years without bail was a key factor in the court’s decision. Sutherland, however, was denied bail due to a prior violation of his High Court bail conditions, which led to its revocation. The judge advised that Sutherland could file a written application for bail consideration. Sutherland has been on remand for over a year, while Smith has been incarcerated for nearly four years. If convicted of kidnapping, both men face significant prison time, with deductions possible for time already served.