Family Members Testify in Blackmail Trial Denying Knowledge of Accused's Medical Condition or Death Rumors

Two family members of accused Andrew Melvin Franklin yesterday categorically denied knowing that he had a medical condition or telling anyone that he had died in Canada.

They also denied knowing complainant Ronnie Morris.

Gillian Franklin, mother of Franklin and aunt of accused Carol-Ann Yolando McClean, as well as Patricia Franklin, sister of Franklin and cousin of McClean, were testifying in the blackmail trial against the two in the No. 5 Supreme Court.

Franklin and McClean, both of Edgecumbe Tenantry, St Philip, were charged that between March 21 and April 21, 2011, with a view to gain for themselves, they made an unwarranted demand of $25 500 from Ronnie Morris with menaces.

They also denied that between March 22 and April 17, 2011, with a view to gain for themselves, they made an unwarranted demand of $12 100 from Morris with menaces. (HLE)