Cops freed of charges of soliciting $6,000 from motorist

Three police constables who were accused of soliciting $6,000 from a motorist who committed a road traffic violation, have been acquitted of corruption charges.

Constable Kevon Fairclough was charged with corruptly soliciting and accepting money to do an act in the performance of his duty, while Constable Junior Reid and Constable Sadiki Williamson were charged for accepting money to do an act in the performance of their duty.

The lawmen were freed last Thursday in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court by Chief Parish Judge Chester Crooks who accepted submissions by the policemen's lawyers that the complainant was not credible.

The three were arrested on September 8, 2019, following allegations that they solicited money from the motorist.

According to reports, the money was paid over and allegedly shared between the constables.

A complaint was subsequently made to police's Professional Standards Oversight Bureau and the file sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions for ruling.

The office subsequently ruled that they be charged.

All three were placed on suspension.

Attorneys-at-law Christopher Townsend, John Jacob and Chadwick Berry represented Fairclough, while Charles Williams represented Reid and Williamson.

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