Cops in Mario Deane case found guilty

The three police personnel in the Mario Deane trial were today found guilty in the Westmoreland Circuit Court on all the charges stemming from Deane's death in 2014.

Corporal Elaine Stewart and constables Juliana Clevon and Marlon Grant were found guilty of manslaughter and misconduct in a public office, following two hours of deliberation by the seven-member jury in the trial. Stewart was also found guilty of committing acts intended to pervert the course of justice.

The charges stemmed from 31-year-old Deane's death on August 6, 2014, three days after he was beaten while in custody at the Barnett Street Police Station lock-up in St James for possession of a ganja spliff.

The three cops were charged on the grounds that they were on duty at the lock-up when Deane was beaten.

Additionally, Stewart was accused of ordering the cleaning of the cell where Deane was beaten ahead of the arrival of personnel from the Independent Commission of Investigations.

Presiding High Court Justice Courtney Daye ordered the three defendants to return to court for sentencing on July 1, and extended their bails to that date.

As part of their bail conditions, they have been ordered to report at the Area One Police Division headquarters in St James two days per week.

- Christopher Thomas

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