Nagra Plunkett, Staff ReporterWESTERN BUREAU:
THE ST. JAMES police hierarchy yesterday confirmed reports that a 22-year-old prisoner was torched by a constable in his jail cell, after he labelled the cop a homosexual.
"That is the information we have at this time, but we still need to get better particulars from the victim," disclosed commanding officer for the division, Superin-tendent Warren Clarke.
He said investigators were still attempting to get statements from the victim, who is still recuperating in hospital.
"As soon as we are able to speak with him extensively, I believe he will be able to assist us further in our investigations," the officer stated.
RELEASED FROM DUTIES
The constable, said to have less than five years service in the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), has since been released from duties.
He is among five police officers who were on Thursday suspended by Police Commissioner Lucius Thomas. They were on cell duties at the St. James Police Divisional Headquarters lock-up in Montego Bay on Wednesday night when the incident occurred.
Nancy Anderson, legal counsel for the Independent Jamaica Council for Human Rights (IJCHR), said the commissioner's action was commendable and that the incident would
be closely monitored by the organisation.
Supt. Clarke also noted that from the evidence gathered so far, the police have not been able to determine the material that was used to set fire to the inmate who was arrested on robbery charges. He reportedly suffered extensive burns to his face
and back.
"Eyewitnesses and cellmates are saying that the prisoner was seen ablaze moving from one section of the cell block to another," the officer continued.
The Professional Standards Branch has also commenced a probe into the matter.
