JOEL ANDEM, the 42-year-old reputed gang leader, appeared under tight security yesterday in the Gun Court. He was remanded in custody after his trial was set for August 24.
He is facing 10 counts of shooting with intent and 10 counts of illegal possession of firearm and ammunition.
A large number of police and soldiers stood guard at the entrances to the courthouse, downtown Kingston yesterday morning awaiting Andem's arrival at court. He arrived under heavy escort and was hurriedly taken to the court where his case was mentioned before Mr. Justice Donald McIntosh.
Andem, handcuffed from be-hind, was dressed in a plaid shirt, cream trousers and cream shoes. He is being represented by attorney-at-law Lloyd Shackleford.
Andem is also charged with the murder of Lennox French who was shot dead at his gate at 88 Old Hope Road, St. Andrew on June 26, 2000.
It is reported that Andem is the leader of the notorious gang known as the Gideon Warriors, which operates in the Gordon Town area of East Rural St. Andrew.
Described by the police over the last four years as the most wanted man in Jamaica, Andem was captured on May 26 this year in Clarksonville, St Ann.
Meantime, Kenneth Watson, 72, and Denisha Griffiths, 22, of Clarksonville, who were held along with Andem, are facing charges of harbouring a fugitive from justice.
Charges were brought against Andem on June 4, the day after he filed a writ of habeas corpus in the Supreme Court seeking his immediate release from custody on the ground that he was being held illegally.
