Convicted murderer Cordell Farrington was led to court in shackles on Monday to hear whether he would receive the death sentence for his crime. However, his sentencing was delayed once again.
Farrington was found guilty several weeks ago of the murder of Jamal Robbins, who he claimed was his lover. He will stand trial at a later date for the murders of four of five boys who went missing on Grand Bahama in 2003.
After the closed court session on Monday, Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Cheryl Grant-Bethel told Robbinsﾒ family members that Farringtonﾒs defense attorney, Romona Farquharson, had introduced new material and therefore the judge required additional time to review the content.
Acting Chief Justice Anita Allen adjourned the matter until Friday.
Justice Allen was scheduled to sentence Farrington last Monday, but that was delayed due to the absence of a key piece of evidence, which was to be considered during the sentencing.
Justice Allen said during that time that the social enquiry report had not yet been delivered and that Ms. Farquharson needed more time to prepare.
On Monday, Mrs. Grant- Bethel actually requested that the matter resume in closed chambers, but she did not disclose the reason for that request.
Justice Allen approved the request and then asked everyone in the courtroom to wait on the outside.
Only Dr. Timothy Barrett and Dr. Michael Neville, two psychiatrists who testified in the Farrington case, were allowed to remain in the closed court.
The doctors testified that Farrington suffers from various personality disorders, but is not insane.
After about a half hour in closed chambers, Farrington was led out the courtroom and then Mrs. Bethel informed the media along with his family that the court was adjourned.
Meanwhile, Robbinsﾒ mother expressed disapproval that the sentencing had been delayed again.
She said that she will not return on Friday because she had returned to Grand Bahama after the sentencing was delayed the first time and came back to New Providence for what proved to be a wasted trip.
Robbinsﾒ parents wore pins with their sonﾒs image and the words, "Jamal we will never forget you".
The crown intends to seek the death penalty for Farrington.
By: Bianca Symonette, The Bahama Journal
