ST JAMES, Jamaica — The case surrounding the three police officers who are charged by the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM), in relation to the 2014 death of St James resident, Mario Deane, failed to get off the ground today.

This was as a result of two issues, the inability of witnesses to be produced and the crown apparently not having all the files relating to the case.

When the matter was called up in the St James Parish Court, Parish Judge Sandria Wong Small was told that the crown was not able to produce witnesses.

Wong-Small in response said: “I would like to have this matter dealt with speedily. Whoever these persons are, I expect that all steps will be taken to  have them here.”

However, the judge was told one of the witnesses, who is a police officer, was off the island.

But, Wong-Small demanded to know what was happening with the case, saying “It is not enough to tell me he is overseas”. 

“You are telling me that, that witness will not be produced?” she asked.

In relation to the files, the judge pointed out that in fairness to the clerk, the original clerk had moved on and the present clerk may not have all the files.

Wong-Small later gave a March 13 return date.

Two witnesses are also to be summoned for the next date.

The three, woman Corporal, Elaine Stewart; District Constable, Marlon Grant and District Constable, Juliana Clevon were all charged with manslaughter, perverting the course of justice and misconduct in a public office.

Deane was taken into custody at the Barnett Street Police station by the police for the position of a ganja spiff on Sunday, August 3, 2014. However, he died three days later in hospital after receiving severe injuries to the head while in custody.

Anthony Lewis