In a hysterical and frightening scene in the Supreme Court yesterday, Cordney Gardiner jumped, twisted, spat and made loud animal-like noises just minutes before a jury found him guilty of setting fire to Nassau’s historic Straw Market in 2001.
Following a lengthy summary by Justice Ricardo Marques, the jury of four men and eight women, after deliberating for two hours, returned a guilty 9-3 verdict.
Gardiner, who was remanded to sandilands Rehabilitation Centre, could face a prison term of up to 20 years.
Before announcing their verdict, jurors leaned back and watched in wide-eyed amazement as Gardiners eyes bulged and he jumped up and down in the prisoners dock, roaring like an animal.
Although Gardiners behaviour throughout the trial had been “strange and distracting” his behaviour yesterday was alarming.
By Danielle Stubbs, The Tribune
