THE five policemen charged by the Independent Commission of Investigation (INDECOM) with the shooting and injury of a Convent of Mercy (Alpha) student two weeks ago were yesterday granted bail when they appeared in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court.

Kirk Hayes, who is alleged to have fired the shot that hit the female student in her head, was granted bail in the sum of $1 million. The other policemen — Shawn Abrahams, Dario Gillespie, Archibald Wright and Warren Ramsey — were each granted bail in the sum of $500,000.

The cops, who were charged under section 33 of the INDECOM Act, were offered bail by Parish Judge Simone Maddix.

Attorney Peter Champagnie, during the bail application for Hayes, argued that INDECOM blundered in terms of its investigation. Champagnie noted that the cops were served with documents and questioned by INDECOM after they were arrested and charged.

Champagnie also argued that the cops participated in three identification parades but were never pointed out.

The girl was shot while travelling in a robot taxi at the intersection of North Street and Mark Lane in downtown Kingston.

She underwent emergency surgery at the Kingston Public Hospital and was recently taken out of intensive care. She was said to be recovering well.

The policemen are to reappear in court on July 21.

– Racquel Porter