Procedure was not followed in prisoner's release, says cop
Published:Wednesday | April 30, 2014 | 12:00 AM
WESTERN BUREAU:
A police witness yesterday testified that the correct procedure was not followed when a prisoner, Greg Taylor, was released from custody on January 30, 2013, in a bizarre case in which it was subsequently reported that he had escaped custody.
In giving testimony yesterday, Det Sgt Winston Alexander of the Montego Bay Anti-Corruption Branch said when Taylor was released into the custody of the cops, who are now accused of helping him to escape, the required verification was not done.
"If you are handing over a prisoner, you ought to make sure you know who you are handing over the prisoner to. The person [who is collecting the prisoner] would have to show their identification," Alexander said in explaining the procedure.
He admitted that in the instance where Taylor was released from custody, and subsequently was reported to have escaped custody, the procedure was not followed.
"In interviews, all the persons that had direct contact there … said they were satisfied that the persons who came there were police personnel because of the way they were dressed, and one person had an identification booklet hanging around the neck," said Alexander.
FOUR COPS CHARGED
Constables Kirton Green, Raymond Johnson, Alicia Hutchinson, and Kaye Falconer were arrested and charged in the aftermath of Taylor's release.
Following a ruling by the director of public prosecutions, the four officers were charged under the Corruption (Prevention) Act for their role in the alleged escape.
Green, Johnson, and Hutchinson are to reappear before the court on May 13.
Falconer, who is being tried separately for harbouring a fugitive after Taylor was recaptured at her home on February 24, 2013, is booked for court on July 9.