'Zeeks' gets life
May 31, 2006
Matthew's Lane strongman Donald 'Zeeks' Phipps was yesterday sentenced to life in prison for the April 2005 murders of two men in downtown Kingston, bringing to a close one of Jamaica's more closely watched high-profile trials.
But immediately after the verdict was handed down by Supreme Court Justice Horace Marsh, Phipps's attorneys said they would take the case to the Appeal Court.
"We are already prepared for that. We will be appealing," said defence attorney Valerie Neita-Robinson. "By tomorrow (today) papers will be filed."
Phipps's sentence sparked animated debate across the capital, Kingston, with some persons rejoicing, while others commented on the 30 years' imprisonment.
"Ah 30 years Zeeks get," said one wide-eyed vendor in Half-Way-Tree, one of Kingston's commercial districts.
On April 12 this year, Phipps was found guilty of the murders of Dayton 'Scotchbrite' Williams and Rodney Farquharson. Both men were shot in the head and their bodies burnt in an open lot on Rose Lane, downtown Kingston.
Phipps was first scheduled to be sentenced on April 21. However, that was put off at the request of his attorneys who wanted to provide character witnesses. On the second sentencing date - May 16 - the sitting judge was not available.
Yesterday, Phipps's attorneys presented their character witnesses who told the court of his philanthropy and honesty.
"It was because of his intervention in a dispute I had with another man that has allowed that man and I to be friends today," said Samuel Mitchell.
Anthony Eastwood, a 61 year-old businessman, told the court that he had known Phipps for about 15 years.
"When back-to-school time comes around he would go around and ask for help in sending less fortunate kids back to school," said Eastwood. "I supplied him with box juice from my wholesale business. Zeeks was always helpful to the community. Even on Mother's Day and Father's Day he would put on treats. That is the Zeeks I know."
Lead defence attorney, K Churchill Neita, told the court that Phipps provided leadership for the residents of Matthew's Lane and asked the judge to be lenient, given that Phipps is the father of 15 children....
Author: Paul Clarke
Source: Jamaica Observer
