SAVANNA-LA-MAR, Westmoreland — The zone commander with responsibility for Barnett Street Police Station at the time of Mario Deane’s d
eath took the stand on Friday as the prosecution sought to establish the responsibilities of cops on duty at the time Deane was fatally beaten.

Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Kevin Francis, who is currently based at the Westmoreland Divisional Headquarters, was the Crown’s second witness in the case being held in that parish’s Circuit Court. He was on sick leave in August 2014 when the incident occurred but under examination from the Crown explained the general reasons for individuals to be placed in lockup. The senior cop said these include “when they commit an offence against themselves, or commit an offence against the state or if so instructed by the court.”

He explained that the court would issue those instructions for individuals waiting for a court hearing after being charged, awaiting sentencing or awaiting trial.

The allegations are that Deane was arrested for possession of a ganja spliff and placed in lockup at Barnett Street, where he was brutally beaten on August 3, 2014. He received severe injuries to his brain, which left him in a coma. He died three days later at Cornwall Regional Hospital in St James.

It is alleged that Corporal Elaine Stewart, and constables Juliana Clevon and Marlon Grant were on duty at the police station at the time when Deane was beaten. It is further alleged that Corporal Stewart instructed that the cell in which the attack took place be cleaned before the arrival of investigators from the Independent Commission of Investigations. They are all charged with manslaughter, perverting the course of justice, and misconduct in a public office.

On the witness stand on Friday DSP Francis explained that while on duty a sub-officer — a member of the police force between the ranks of corporal and inspector — is responsible for ensuring that a prisoner is properly committed to custody.

He testified that sergeants and corporals ensure that the lockup administration and prisoner information policies are followed. The lockup administration policy outlines the police’s responsibilities from the time a prisoner enters custody until the point of release. This includes proper documentation of the prisoners’ information, including addresses of arrested persons, reasons for arrest, property that was taken into custody, and the general well-being and acknowledgement of lockup.

DSP Francis also explained that the administrative officer and station manager are updated about a prisoner in custody. In his testimony he also said that in addition to cameras being used to monitor cell blocks, other methods include written records made in a station diary by a police officer above the rank of corporal.

The case continues on Monday, where DSP Francis is expected to complete his presentation before being cross-examined by the defence lawyers: Dalton Reid, who represents Clevon, and Martyn Thomas, who represents Stewart and Grant.

The Crown is further expected to call a third witness, a police corporal, on Wednesday.