Rasbert Turner, Gleaner Writer

A special constable who allegedly used his gun to beat a man in the head three years ago in Spanish Town, was freed of the charge in the Spanish Town Resident Magistrate's Court on Tuesday, after it was borne out that the complainant died one year after reporting the matter.

Special Constable Samora Smith, of the Spanish Town Police Station, was said to have com-mitted the unlawful wounding about 10:00 p.m., on October 11, 2003, along Young Street in Spanish Town.

The incident took place while the policeman was in a car with a female companion. It is said that an argument developed between Smith and the complainant Steve Williams.

Smith reportedly alighted from the vehicle, stepped up to Williams and used his gun to hit him several times, causing his head to bleed.

Successful submission

Two days later, Williams made a report at the Spanish Town Police Station where he saw Smith on the station compound.

He was then advised to go to the Police Public Complaint's Authority which he did. However, Williams was shot and killed during a robbery on November 13, 2004. The Director of Public Prosecutions handed down his ruling on December 5, this year.

When he appeared in court before Resident Magistrate Lorna Errar Gayle, Smith's lawyer, Carlton Callman, made a success-ful no-case submission that the case be dismissed for want of prosecution as the complainant in the matter is deceased. It was granted by the Crown.