Two officers testifying in the high profile murder trial of Neil Brown have been accused of police brutality.
During cross examination last Thursday, defense attorney Michael Hanna suggested to the court that Detective Corporal Ambrose Knowles and Detective Sergeant Michelet Meronard allegedly participated it the “savage beating” of 25-year-old Neil Brown.
Brown is accused of shooting Archdeacon William Thompson in the chest and stomach while attempting to rob his Market Street home on May 29, 2000 .
According to Mr. Hanna, the alleged beatings took place prior to the officers conducting an interview with the accused.
“I suggest to the court that when Mr. Brown was brought to the Investigation Department, he was never placed in an open waiting area as indicated, but instead taken to a room where he was savagely beaten,” he said. “A plastic bag was placed on his head, he was handcuffed from behind, seated in a chair and choked. And it was also during this time that Meronard placed his foot on the accused.”
Mr. Hanna further argued that as Brown had apparently not been fed for an extended period of time, this suggested the officers’ intentions to “sap the accused of his will.”
“This was part of a design to frame the accused,” he suggested to Meronard while on the witness stand. “You were under considerable pressure to bring someone forward and Mr. Brown was merely a scapegoat.”
The attorney added that contrary to Detective Knowles’ testimony, he not only knew of the threats made to Brown, but also participated in the alleged beatings.
While on the stand however, both men denied the accusations.
A police officer for some 17 years, Detective Knowles admitted that he arrested Brown on two occasions, the first on July 7, 2000 , the second , two days later on July 7, 2002 . A suspect is held for questioning for 48 hours, after which time, if not charged, he/she is released.
While on the stand, Detective Knowles also explained to the court that during the second arrest, Brown was taken to the Southern Police Station where he was booked and his detention record was completed. Although adding that he later saw Brown while moving him between the police station and the Criminal Investigation Department, Mr. Knowles maintained that he never used force, violence or threats while the accused was in his custody.
Lending support to his colleague, Detective Meronard told the court that having been brought to the Investigation Department on July 9, Brown was seated on a bench for “safe keeping.” Before the interview took place however, he was asked whether or not he objected to it been taped, to which he replied, “No.”
The detective said the tape was later replayed to ensure Brown’s approval of what had been recorded. Accompanied by several other officers, Detective Meronard then took the accused to Windsor Lane , a location from where he admitted to stealing a yellow Nissan Sunny owned by BaTelCo. The group then went on to Lily of the Valley corner where the stolen vehicle had been parked during Brown’s offense before confiscated by the police and taken to the Internal Security Compound. The men next proceeded to the Thompson’s residence, where Brown allegedly indicated to the officers how he entered the home during the attack. The final stop was the accused Peter Street home.
According to Meronard, it was during this time that Brown admitted that he burnt his clothes following the offense. He also indicated that he too, did not use any force, violence threats, promises or inducements on the accused.
Only the first day into the well-publicized trial, jurors were also cautioned on Thursday to remain both receptive and vigilant to the evidence submitted in the case.
“Pay careful attention to the witnesses and their evidence, at the same time, observe their demeanor,” leading prosecutor Francis Cumberbatch told the seven women, five men group. “Listen to them carefully because at the end of the day, you will have to ask yourself if you are satisfied with what they have told you, if you are satisfied with the Crown’s case.”
With this, the prosecutor further warned jurors to pay special attention to a series of technical evidence that will also be submitted.
“Do not treat these video recordings as movie scenarios,” Mr. Cumberbatch said. Instead, treat them with the seriousness they deserve. As the sole judges of fact, use your commonsense and adult experience to assess the evidence that is both heard and seen.”
The prosecution argues that while “it is difficult to ascertain Mr. Brown’s intentions, it is possible to infer his intentions by his actions.”
“Anyone who takes a loaded firearm and fires it, intentionally causes a death as guns are weapons of destruction that are made to kill,” Mr. Cumberbatch said.
The case resumes in Supreme Court #3, Friday at 10 am.
By Macushla N. Pinder, The Bahama Journal
