High Court Judge Brian Cottle has stressed the need to take care of the nation’s youth, especially the males.
Justice Cottle made the point while delivering remarks at the closing of the High Court Criminal Assizes on Tuesday, December 21.
In presenting the prison population statistics, which was prepared by Superintendant of Prisons Timothy Hazelwood, Justice Cottle noted there were 78 males between the ages of 30 and 35 behind bars, representing 21 percent of the prison population.
In addition, there were 49 males between the ages of 26 and 29, 13 percent of the prison population; 35 between the ages of 22 and 25 representing 9 percent; and 18 between the ages of 16 and 21, representing 5 percent.
Fifty-one males between the ages 36 and 39 are behind bars, 86 between the ages of 40 and 49, 54 over the age of 50, and one under the age of 16.
Justice Cottle noted that a significant number of the prison population were between the ages of 16 and 35, and were males.
“We need to do something better in our society to take care of our young men.
“They are us, and we are they, and we have to do better for them,” Cottle underscored.
The prison population as of December 21 stood at 389, comprised of 156 males and five females from the Supreme Court; 126 males and one female from the Magistrate’s Court; 61 males and four females awaiting trial, and 36 males on remand. There were no females on remand.
Justice Cottle said there is still a significant number of persons awaiting trial, and that work is ongoing to have the backlog reduced.
In relation to offences of murder, there were 92 persons housed at Her Majesty’s Prisons, 38 from the Supreme Court, 50 awaiting trial, and four on remand.
This offence represents 24.3 percent of the prison population.
Seventeen persons are there in relation to manslaughter offences, all from the Supreme Court. There are 19 for unlawful sexual intercourses, 16 for rape, 14 for attempted murder, and 31 for wounding.
Justice Cottle thanked the jury, prosecution, defence lawyers, court staff, police, and the media for their service.
“We encourage fair and accurate reporting. We also encourage vigorous discussions, and reasonable criticism,” the Judge assured.
He added that the feedback and criticism derived from such discussion, can only help to improve the process.
Source : The Vincentian