The duo was each given a 35 year sentence for murdering a Jamaican woman in 2006 in the Virgin Islands.

The two had appeared before the Court of Appeal on September 26, 2011 before Justice Hugh Rawlins, Chief Justice of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (ECSC), who stated that the two men should be given the transcripts from their trial free of cost.

He had also instructed that the lawyer for the appellants, Patrick Thompson, must submit his written application by October 31, 2011 and the Crown has to file theirs a month later.

There were no objections to the requests.

Mr. Milton aka Ratty and Mr. Campbell aka Soupy were sentenced to 35 years in prison respectively in October 2009 for the death of Jamaican national Dorcas Rhule on October 6, 2003.

Ms. Rhule was thrown from the balcony of a fourth floor apartment that she and Kerrian E’Banks, who was Mr. Milton’s sister, shared in Little Dix Hill, East End.

During the trial, salacious details were heard that led to Ms. Rhule’s death with the Crown contending that Ms. E’Banks was the real target. Evidence was presented that the men had plotted to kill Ms. E’Banks because she had threatened to call the immigration authorities on them after her brother threatened to kill her.

The men had visited the Territory and overstayed the time allotted to them by immigration authorities.

Furthermore, Mr. Milton had previously accused his sister of being a police informer and blamed her for his uncle and brother being convicted in the Virgin Islands (VI) for robbery. The court heard that Ratty and Soupy, armed with a gun, barged into the apartment and strangled Ms. Rhule before throwing her body four floors down to the ground.

The Crown’s case was bolstered by evidence from Ms. E’Banks, Mr. Milton’s ex-girlfriend, police officers and forensic experts.

After the murder, a massive manhunt by police commenced and the duo was captured by the Immediate Response Unit in an area known as Fish Bay three weeks after the crime was committed. A handgun was taken from Mr. Campbell, who was shot in the leg during the capture.

Meanwhile, at the opening of the sitting this morning, Chief Justice Hugh Rawlins said he was happy to be in the Virgin Islands to begin the new calendar year and hope that it will be a productive one for everyone.

The Chief Justice also said he had done some case management and he will deliver some judgments during the sitting and hopes that everything goes well.

Another matter slated for this afternoon is that of Ricky Callwood who is appealing his five year rape sentence.

Tomorrow, January 17, 2012, Andre Penn, who is serving a 12-year sentence for having sexual intercourse with a minor will have his appeal heard. On Thursday January 19, the appeal involving Quorum Island and the appellant the Virgin Islands Environmental Council is expected to be heard.