The arrest of a Troy resident in connection with the mob killing of convicted sex offender Delroy Coke has reignited anger among residents who say the justice system failed to protect their community long before this week’s violence.

Among Thursday’s protesters was Kay*, whose now-14-year-old son was sexually assaulted by Coke when he was seven years old. The police have confirmed that Coke was convicted in that case and sentenced to five years’ imprisonment at the St Catherine Adult Correctional Centre.

According to Kay, the community pleaded with the authorities not to allow Coke to return to Troy after he completed his sentence in August 2025, fearing for the safety of residents, particularly children.