'Dudus' gets November 16 court date

Appeared to be in good spirits

NEW YORK, United States former Tivoli Gardens don Christopher 'Dudus' Coke will return to a Manhattan court on November 16 to continue his trial on drugs and gun running charges.

Observer correspondent Harold Bailey, who covered today's court appearance, said the former Tivoli Gardens strongman appeared to be in good spirits.

Coke's legal team has been bolstered by the inclusion of attorneys Steven Rosen and Frank Dodatto.

He was arrested on June 23 along the Mandela Highway after being on the lam for almost a month.

More than 70 persons, including a Jamaica Defence Force soldier and two policemen, were killed during civil unrest which was staged by gangsters who swore allegiance to Coke.

Coke is facing a long sentence if found guilty of the charges laid against him. His assets can also be seized.

He is reportedly been held under maximum security conditions and spends most of his days locked in a cramped cell.