Appeals Court rules against Police Officers found guilty of beating youth
The two men from the Commonwealth of Dominica and St Vincent respectively were found guilty in 2014 by then Magistrate Velon John of beating Brandon George, a teenager now deceased. The beating incident took place at the teen’s home on June 24, 2012.They were each fined $2,000 to have been paid in two days or spend two years in prison.
Not satisfied with the Magistrate’s decision they moved to the Court of Appeal with the representation of Attorney at Law Hugh Wildman from Jamaica to contest Magistrate John’s decision.
The trial
During the Magistrate’s Court trial the teen never had the opportunity to stand in the court of justice in his defense in the matter since he succumbed to injuries sustained after the motor scooter he was riding collided with a pick-up truck on September 27, 2012.
As it relates to the testimonies given by three other police officers of the RVIPF who were called by the defence, the Magistrate was not convinced they told the truth and referred to their testimonies as being well rehearsed, especially as they had sufficient time to do so perfectly.
During the trial in the Magistrate court it was said that Officer Anthony observed the VC on a bike with no license plates and signaled to him. George reportedly rode off and went to his residence in Huntums Ghut where he later parked his bike.
Shortly afterwards, the VC reportedly heard voices outside and saw Officer Anthony and a friend outside on his stairway. Anthony then allegedly told George to come outside as he was taking the VC’s motorcycle.
It was at this point that the VC reportedly telephoned his mother and related what was happening and made attempts for his mother to speak with Mr Anthony, which proved unsuccessful.
Officer Anthony allegedly repeated his claim of removing the motorcycle when the VC reportedly replied, “You’re not going with any bike.” George also added that he knew his bike was “straight” and reportedly attempted to show Officer Anthony the documents for his bike. Senior Crown Counsel Valston Graham stated that it was further alleged that Anthony knocked the documents out of the VC’s hand.
Officer Robinson subsequently arrived at George’s residence and as he was entering the premises, the VC’s dog in the driveway reportedly started barking at him. Officer Robinson allegedly fired several kicks and stones in the direction of the dog. The VC intervened and attempted to block Robinson from throwing rocks and Robinson allegedly held on to George. A struggle then ensued between the two before Anthony allegedly intervened.
Head-butt
It was further alleged that Anthony hit George in the stomach and chest area and the VC was also head-butted by Anthony who was wearing a helmet at the time; this reportedly caused several injuries to the VC.
A couple of George’s friends were reportedly present and observed as the officers allegedly handcuffed the VC and took him to the Road Town Police Station after which he was taken to Peebles Hospital for medical treatment for the injuries he reportedly received to his head.
Complaints were later made to the Complaints and Disciplinary Division of the RVIPF regarding the treatment of Mr George and investigations were carried out, which resulted in the men being charged.
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30 Responses to “Appeals Court rules against Police Officers found guilty of beating youth”
I even got to understand that the boy bragged about beating the officers.
Moreover, I have witnessed young men assaulting police officers who approached them in a professional manner.
Don't get this twisted, I do not agree that if this is true about the officers that it should happen. Police officers are
supposed to uphold the law too. But let's be honest, we as the public want order on the road, we complain about the scooters, some of them not even licensed and when the officers try to bring some sort of order, this is the outcome.
Officers do what you can and then go home. Don't bother going the extra mile. Let them roll in them own mud.
You people are so dam wicked and love to see others fall. They were protecting our island from ourselves.. Whilst you and others were busy in gossip and world domination.