Court frees two men accused of killing cop
May 26, 2006
THE TWO men, who were accused of murdering District Constable Colin Thomas and setting him ablaze in his motor car on July 7, 2001 during an upsurge of violence along Mountain View Avenue, St. Andrew, were freed on Wednesday.
They are barber, Garfield Beaumont and labourer, Craig Hazel, of Mountain View. The men were in custody since they were arrested in July 2001.
Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions, Donald Bryan, said the case for the prosecution did not meet the required standard.
Mr. Justice Basil Reid directed the jury to return a formal verdict of not guilty.
CROWN EYEWITNESS DISCREDITED
The sole eyewitness for the Crown was discredited under cross-examination by defence lawyers Lloyd McFarlane and Carolyn Reid. The witness who is a policeman had also identified Beaumont and Hazel in court....
Author: Barbara Gayle
Source: Jamaica Gleaner
