CanJet hijacker to undergo psychiatric evaluation

Stephen Fray returns to court May 18

MONTEGO BAY, St James - Stephen Fray, the 21-year-old Montego Bay man who held up a chartered flight destined for Halifax, Canada at the Sangster International airport two weeks ago, was yesterday remanded in custody pending a psychiatric evaluation.

He is to return to the Western Regional Gun Court and the Montego Bay Resident Magistrate's Court on May 18 when - depending on the outcome of the evaluation - a determination concerning his fitness to stand trial for the 24 charges against him is expected.

CanJet hijacker to undergo psychiatric evaluation 20090505T210000-0500_150862_OBS_CANJET_HIJACKER_TO_UNDERGO_PSYCHIATRIC_EVALUATION_1

Stephen Fray's lawyers, George (left) and Martyn Thomas outside the Montego Bay Resident Magistrate's Court, where their client appeared yesterday. (Photo: Phillip Lemonte)

The evaluation, which was ordered by Justice Bertram Morrison at the request of Fray's lawyers George and Martyn Thomas who did not seek bail, was the first official indication that the defence would argue that Fray did not know what he was doing when he committed the offence.

As a result of the April 19 incident, Fray has been charged with:

. Nine counts of illegal possession of a firearm;

. Eight counts of assault at common law;

. Two counts of illegal possession of ammunition;

. One count of shooting with intent;

. One count of robbery with aggravation;

. One count in relation to a breach of the Civil Aviation Act;

. One count in relation to a breach of the Airports
Authority Act; and

. One count of assaulting a female.

The first 21 charges were mentioned in the Western Regional Gun Court before Justice Morrison and the last three before Resident Magistrate Vivienne Harris in the Montego Bay Resident Magistrate's Court.

Yesterday, additional police personnel were deployed to the courthouse in anticipation of a large turnout of spectators. However, apart from the media public interest in Fray - who was appearing for the first time since being charged last Friday - was unexceptional.

When he appeared in the Montego Bay Resident Magistrate's court which, unlike the Western Regional Gun Court, is open to the public, Fray - a lanky youth of about six feet - seemed distracted.

Sporting a full beard around his narrow face, a dark red T-shirt and blue denim trousers, Fray stared down continuously, shifting his weight from one foot to the other.

His father, uncle, aunt and other family members and well-wishers sat at the back for moral support.

Fray embarrassed Jamaica on April 19 when he barged past security at the Sangster International Airport and boarded CanJet 918 which was bound for Cuban en route to Halifax, Canada.

Demanding to be flown out of the country, he held the crew and 159 passengers, some of whom police said he robbed of money, hostage.

Passengers were allowed to go very early into the ordeal, but Fray held on to eight crew members for almost eight hours as he negotiated with the security forces to be flown to neighbouring Cuba.

He was subsequently disarmed as negotiations broke down.

Neither crew nor passengers were hurt in the incident which raised several questions concerning the integrity of the airport's security.

Attorneys Nathan Robb and Stacey Young yesterday appeared in court on behalf of the Airports Authority of Jamaica which is watching the proceedings

The Jamaica Observer.

I am still trying to find out if he is really a sicko. I dont think so since he already known before hand that the canadian flight was going to stop in Cuba.

i just realize the boy name fray no fray is sicko eventhough but what can happen over the years it has proven for them to study too much remember was it bobby fray brother,that started taking crack and all that juliet becareful.

nuh true

what happen to the hijacker did he get bail yet or them boy still a have a feast with him

I am not sure if he was granted bail. The last time I saw him on the local news, he was handcuff, thats like a week and a half ago.