Prisoner freed of assault charge

Bjorn Burke, Staff Reporter

A prisoner accused of assaulting a police officer while in custody was freed of assault charges when he appeared before the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court on Tuesday.

Charged with assault occasioning bodily harm is 35-year-old Ryan Clarke of a Greater Portmore, St Catherine, address.

Allegations are that on December 17, 2014, the complainant, who is a police officer stationed at the Kingston Central Police Station, was performing cell guard duty at approximately 6:45 p.m. The officer and other police personnel then went to another section of the lock-up when heard a loud outburst coming from a particular cell that housed Clarke, who allegedly uttered a string of obscenities, requesting water, as well as to use the bathroom. It is reported that the police officer then opened the cell door for the accused to exit during which Clarke allegedly shoved the grille, hitting the officer in the chest causing swelling.

In court, Clarke told Senior Resident Magistrate Judith Pusey that he was mistreated. He further explained that the alleged mistreatment was the reason for his actions.

"Him come inna mi cell and lick out mi teeth, Your Honour," Clarke began.

"Why?" asked RM Pusey.

"Fi nothing at all," Clarke replied.

The police officer involved in the matter was not present during the court proceeding.

Subsequently, the sitting magistrate ordered the accused man freed of the alleged assault charges against the police officer in the matter. Clarke, however, was further remanded in custody pending other matters before the court.