Barbara Gayle, Staff Reporter

A prisoner, who was convicted in 1982 for the murder of Charlton Anderson, a People's National Party councillor, has lost his parole bid in the Supreme Court.

Gibson Bunting, 46, who was a juvenile when he committed the crime, is being held in prison at the court's pleasure.

Supreme Court judge Lennox Campbell, in handing down the decision, said he was not satisfied that Bunting was reformed.

Anderson was shot and killed at his St Thomas residence in September 1980. Bunting said he was the lookout man while his cronies committed the act. He said the attack was politically motivated.

He was seeking to be released unconditionally or on parole with conditions. The application was supported by several affidavits.

21 breaches

Bunting said he had not been in trouble at prison for the last 13-15 years. The judge said the profile presented by the prison authorities stated that Bunting committed 21 breaches from 1982-1999.

In his testimony, Bunting said he learned to read and write while in prison, but the judge said it was clear to the court that Bunting was only able to sign his name.

The judge said the support structures to foster his reassimilation into society were weak. His father is 73 and unwell, and his cousin, who provided an affidavit that he was prepared to assist in his rehabilitation, only visited him once in prison.

The judge said there was nothing before him to indicate that the applicant was fit to be released.

Parole consideration

"The consideration of parole can only be granted if the view is formed that the applicant will not constitute a danger to the society, " Campbell said.

In dismissing the application, the judge made several recommendations.

Bunting is to be permitted to pursue any programme for literacy that is available to him. He is to be admitted to such programmes within or outside the walls of the prison, under any structured programme currently being pursued by the prison authorities, to further his acquisition of skills.

He is not eligible to renew his application for another five years. The commissioner of corrections is to make the necessary arrangements for Bunting to be examined by a doctor.

barbara.gayle@gleanerjm.com