INDECOM probes claim man suffered broken hands and leg in alleged police beating in St James

The Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) is probing allegations that a man accused of murder was beaten by police officers in St James, leaving him with both hands and a leg broken.

The incident reportedly occurred while he was in custody at the Freeport Police Station last week. His right leg is broken.

"An assault in custody report was made to INDECOM and an investigation has commenced," said the oversight body that investigates complaints of misconduct against members of the security forces.

Donnovan Collins, the attorney representing Seon Clarke, claimed that his client was beaten by cops after he refused to consent to a search.

"Only such force that is necessary ought to be used. The question in my mind is whether that amount of force was necessary for a man already in the custody of the police," Collins told The Gleaner on Wednesday.

He added: "This unfortunate incident has several affected my client as my instructions are that he is in severe pain. Imagine being in a Jamaican jail cell and you can’t use any of your hands".

Senior Superintendent Eron Samuels, commanding officer for the St James police, has not yet responded to a request for comment on the incident.

Clarke is on trial for murder, unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, as well as wounding with intent arising from a May 2015 robbery in St James in which a Chinese businessman was killed and another injured.

The injuries Clarke sustained in the alleged beatdown have stalled the trial, which began in the St James Circuit Court on September 16 last year, according to his attorney.

The trial is scheduled to resume on February 16.

-Livern Barrett

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