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UPDATE: Attorney Tom Tavares-Finson now representing Tommy Lee, seeking his release

Published:Tuesday | May 22, 2018 | 10:51 AM
Attorney Tom Tavares-Finson

Livern Barrett, Senior Gleaner Writer 

Popular dancehall artiste Tommy Lee Sparta has hired top criminal defense attorney Tom Tavares-Finson to represent him.

As one of his first tasks, Tavares-Finson today filed a habeas corpus application in the St James Parish Court seeking to have the entertainer released from police custody.

The attorney confirmed a short while ago that the application is to be heard by a judge later today.

Tommy Lee Sparta, whose real name is Leroy Russell, was detained early Sunday morning in Manor Park, St Andrew shortly after he performed at an event.

He was later transferred to St James where he is now being held under the State of Public Emergency there.

Ernest Smith, who previously served as Tommy Lee's attorney, had said the detention was unlawful as the artiste has been living in Kingston for almost five years.

READ: It's for us to prove Tommy Lee lives in St James - Police 

Assistant Commissioner of Police Ealan Powell has described Tommy Lee as a dangerous gangster saying intelligence shows he is behind many criminal activities in St James.

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