A Bequia man has been slapped with five charges, about two weeks 1 after he and other residents of his community claimed that police beat him for the second time this year, resulting in his hodpitalisation.
Shemroy Stowe, 31, of Friendship, Bequia was on Nov. 13 transferred from the Port Elizabeth Hospital to the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital with a neck brace and injuries to the head and other parts of his body, reportedly after he was beaten by police one day earlier.
He appeared at the Serious Offences Court in Kingstown on Wednesday, charged that:
- on Nov. 12, 2016, at Friendship, Bequia, had in his possession 45 grammes of cannabis with intent to supply;
- on Nov. 12, 2016, at Friendship, Bequia, resisted the arrest of corporal Hendrick Scarborough, he being a police officer in the due execution of his duties;
- on Nov. 12, 2016,, at Friendship, Bequia, resisted the arrest of police constable 258 Devon Da Souza;
- on Nov. 12, 2016,, at Friendship, Bequia, assaulted corporal Hendrick Scarborough, he being a police officer in the due execution of his duty; and
- on Nov. 12, 2016,, at Friendship, Bequia, assaulted PC 258 Da Souza.
He pleaded not guilty to all five charges.
Prosecutor Adolphus Delpesche, did not object to bail but asked for proper surety.
Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne-Matthias granted Stowe composite bail in the sum of $6,000 with one surety.
He was ordered to report to the Port Elizabeth Police Station on Mondays and Thursdays, between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. until the matters are disposed of.
The Chief Magistrate adjourned the matter to January 30th, 2017, when it is expected that directions for the proceedings will be given.
Lawyer Grant Connell is representing Stowe.
Acting Deputy Commissioner of Police, Colin John, told the media last week that the police were aware of Stowe’s claim that he was beaten by police.
He said that Stowe’s relatives had visited him and he met with them then directed them to the Police Public Relations and Complaints Office.
What ever the man does the police are not entitled to beat him up.
The Police are well recorded for beating people and in one well publicised case almost beat a youth to death.
It would all stop if the ministers said it should stop but he says nothing and according to Patrick He who is silent is taken to agree I am sure we all whole heartedly agree with that.