By Aabigayle McIntosh

Former Antigua Crown Counsel Adlai Smith achieved victory in his inaugural case as the Director of Public Prosecution in St. Kitts and Nevis.

The trial centered on a Kittian man accused of possessing a .380 Bersa Thunder pistol with intent to endanger life—a charge carrying a maximum penalty of 14 years imprisonment under Kittian law.

After approximately 5 hours of deliberation, the jury reached a majority verdict under the guidance of Judge Iain Morley.

The accused, Cuthbert Wilkes, claimed to the police that he was under attack by a group of men and asserted that he aimed to safeguard his firearm, denying any intent to brandish the weapon at anyone.

Throughout the proceedings, the defendant refrained from presenting evidence.

Adlai Smith, who assumed his new position after leaving Antigua in September, spearheaded the prosecution in collaboration with Junior Attorney Althea Campbell.