Ten armed officers were deployed yesterday around Supreme Court Three as lawyers for two men accused of plotting to kill three Policemen launched a constitutional appeal.

Their clients, Jevon Earnest Gardner, 27, of Crossfield Lane, Sandys and Kenneth Durrant, 53, of Ord Road, Warwick are accused of planning to kill Sergeant Arthur Glasford, P.c. Terry Trott and P.c. Llewellyn Edwards, as well as Sharieff Wales and Dion Ford on November 29 last year.

Both face a further charge of attempting to pervert the course of justice.

Two armed Police officers were posted in the corridor of the Supreme Court and others were stationed outside while two senior officers from the Emergency Response Team were inside the court.

About a dozen prison officers were stationed at the back of the court although many drifted away as the legal arguments ground on.

Victoria Pearman, who represents Gardner, challenged the constitutionality of the provision which allows a judge to refer cases directly to the Supreme Court without going via Magistrates? Court.

Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Vinette Graham-Allen argued the Attorney General should be part of the proceedings as he had the role of guardian of the Constitution.

Chief Justice Richard Ground said the DPP should be able to argue for the Attorney General (AG) and voiced frustration about the delay it would cause.

?It wastes your time, my time and the court?s time,? he said. ?There are security issues with this case hence the endless dragging of these defendants back and forth exacerbates this and wastes Police time.

?I am disappointed we are not able to get on and hear this case.?

But he said he would accede to the Crown?s request after Ms Graham-Allen said the AG was aware of the situation and wanted to be involved.

He adjourned the hearing and a new date will be set later.