THE COURT of Appeal has dismissed the appeal of police constable Everton Goulbourne who attempted to solicit $50,000 from a motorist in 2007.

Goulbourne and constable Elorda Smith were convicted last year by Resident Magistrate Sheron Barnes for breaching the Corruption Prevention Act.

Goulbourne was fined $250,000 or six months imprisonment while Smith was fined $200,000 or six months imprisonment.

$50,000 to avoid charges

The complainant had testified at the trial in the Savanna-la-Mar Resident Magistrate's Court in Westmoreland that after his minibus was seized, the policemen told him to pay $50,000 to avoid 10 charges being laid against him.

The policemen appealed their convictions. Smith did not pursue his appeal.

In dismissing Goulbourne's appeal, the court said he failed to substantiate the challenges made to the Resident Magistrate's reasoning and findings of fact.

The court found that RM Barnes ably acquitted herself in her analysis of the evidence and her application of the relevant legal principles.

Some 11 grounds of appeal were filed and argued on Goulbourne's behalf by Attorney-at-law Deborah Martin.

Crown Counsel Loxley Ricketts opposed the grounds of appeal.

barbara.gayle@gleanerjm.com