The trial of two men accused of opening fire outside of a Hamilton nightclub began yesterday in the Supreme Court.

Cervio Cox, 30, and Devon Hewey, 25, have both denied charges of attempting to murder Lavon Thomas and using a firearm to commit an indictable offence, specifically attempted murder.

As the trial began yesterday, prosecutor Larissa Burgess told the court that during the trial the jury would hear how Mr Thomas and a group of friends had gone to Shine’s Nightclub at the eastern end of Reid Street in the early hours of March 24, 2012.

She said that the group had left the club and were preparing to cross the street when they noticed a motorcycle driving into town in the wrong lane. As they looked on, the pillion passenger produced a handgun and pointed it at the crowd.

Ms Burgess said the jury would hear evidence that the gunman pulled the trigger but the gun failed to discharge, and Mr Thomas ran across the street to a set of stairs near the Seon Place building.

“As he ran, he heard two loud explosions, which caused the crowd gathered to disperse,” Ms Burgess said. “When he reached the out side of the steps he looked back and the cycle had turned around and was heading out of Hamilton. [The pillion passenger] raised the firearm in [Mr Thomas’] direction and shots were fired.”

Ms Burgess said officers were on duty on Cavendish Road and heading out of Hamilton when they heard the gunshots.

“Before they were able to turn their vehicle around, they noticed a cycle was travelling in the eastern direction on Cavendish Road. This vehicle, which was in the process of overtaking, made a U-turn.”

The officers turned around, chasing the motorcycle down Spurling Hill and along East Broadway before losing sight of the vehicle in the Berry Hill area. Police discovered an abandoned motorcycle near the eastern entrance of the Botanical Gardens with keys in the ignition and its engine warm. A black helmet was found nearby, and a second helmet was found in the area the following day. Ms Burgess added that both of the defendants had been forensically linked to the incident.

The trial continues today.

Editor’s note: It is The Royal Gazette’s policy not to allow comments on stories regarding on-going court cases. This is to prevent any statements being published that may jeopardise the outcome of that case.