Man believed to be recording cops, charged
ST JAMES, Jamaica — A man, who was slapped with obstruction charges after he allegedly used his phone to record law enforcers as they carried out their duties, is set to return to court in December to answer to charges.
Kevin Malcolm appeared in the St James Parish Court on Monday represented by attorney-at-law, Stacy-Ann Young.
During Monday’s hearing, the court was told that the statement from the corroborating officer, who is on leave, is outstanding but that arrangements will be made to have it available to the court on Friday.
The prosecutor assured the court that as soon as he receives the statement, he will forward it to the defence counsel.
Presiding judge Kaysha Grant-Pryce then scheduled the case for mention on November 14 and extended Malcolm’s bail.
The prosecution alleges that on July 25, officers were on foot patrol along Barnett Street when two taxi operators were observed operating contrary to their road licenses.
Arrangements were subsequently made for the vehicles to be seized.
During the officers’ conversation with the drivers, Malcolm reportedly approached them with a cell phone, as if he was recording.
Malcolm was reportedly warned twice to stop interfering with the police but ignored the warning and became disruptive.
Officers reportedly warned Malcolm of the offence of obstructing a police officer from carrying out their lawful duties before holding him and escorting him to the Barnett Street police station.
Malcolm, however, allegedly bolted from the compound after breaking free from the officer’s grip. The officers pursued him but were unsuccessful.
He was apprehended the following day and subsequently charged.