Ninjaman Sentenced For Life 25 Years … 2 Co-Accused Get 20 Years Each

Desmond Balentine has been sentenced for life and is eligible for parole after serving twenty five years. His co accused his son Janiel and one Clayton   have no previous convictions so got lesser terms in prison. Twenty years and fifteen years for parole. They were convicted for murdering one Ricky Trooper.

Previous Conviction

The Don Gorgon aka Ninjaman registered at birth as Desmond Balentine 51, has two previous convictions … one for a gun possession crime.  The Judge exposed this fact in open court and this rap sheet could have influenced his decision to be less lenient.  The High Court Judge Gayle remarked to the effect that Ninjaman should, “as a public figure should have set a better example. ”  He had two previous convictions, one with a gun in 1999.

Convicted On Past …

Ninjaman’s lawyer Valrie Neita Robertson said “Ninjaman was convicted on his past … we all have a past when we did certain things … Ninjaman plans to continue to work with the youths in prison. I was touched by this promise by Ninjaman. We have already prepared his appeal.”  declared his defense lawyer.

Commentary

We are saddened at this new development … it is a human tragedy.  Dancehall has lost a very colourful artiste. Sting for the past 30 years was headlined bt this great showman in the person of Ninjaman.  Dancehall will not be the same without Ninjaman.  We hope he will be rehabilitated and leave prison earlier than sentenced. This is a great loss to dancehall.

Hopeton O’Connor-Dennie is Senior International Correspondent & Photojournalist for Vision Newspaper.