Police blocked off Reid Street in a heavy security operation yesterday as a large crowd gathered outside Magistrates' Court to see alleged killer George (Messy) McDonald Liburd's make his first appearance.

Liburd, 29, of Pembroke, was charged with murdering Chena Danette Trott, 32, at the Esso TigerMarket, at Crawl Hill, Hamilton Parish, on August 9.

At least 200 people, including tearful members of Ms Trott's family, waited for around an hour until Liburd, accompanied by plain clothes detectives, was driven in a white Police van from Hamilton Police Station to the court.

For security reasons, Magistrates' Court was closed to the public as Liburd, who was wearing denim shorts and a white shirt, made a five minute appearance before Magistrate William Francis before he was remanded in custody.

Liburd, who was represented by lawyer Mark Pettingill, was not required to enter a plea as the matter is indictable. He was remanded in custody to reappear on September 10.

The crowd was subdued as Liburd was driven to the court, although one woman shouted “You're a murderer”.

Earlier, frustrated friends of the dead mother-of-three expressed anger that so many Police officers were on duty to ensure Liburd's safety, but they could not prevent the killing taking place.

“There's all these policemen protecting him, but they didn't protect Chena,” said one family member. Another member of Ms Trott's family fainted and had to be consoled as she broke down in tears.

A close friend of the family said: “All the screaming and shouting is not what Chena would have wanted.

“Her family is trying to be strong under the circumstances and these types of reactions aren't helping.”

After the brief appearance, one of Ms Trott's friends, who worked with her at the Devon Springs recycling plant, said: “My friend! My friend! I can't believe it.”

There was anger in the crowd about the apparently worsening crime situation on the Island and a feeling the courts were too soft on criminals.

One female member of the crowd said: “Until life is regarded as something of greater importance, and until criminals understand there are severe consequences to their actions, murder and other crimes will continue. Government needs to start being drastic.”