The two policemen charged with the controversial shooting deaths of three men in Shrewsbury, Westmoreland in March, were released on bond. The accused policemen, Constables Kenroy Hinds and Damane Campbell, were each offered bail in the sum of J$500,000 when they appeared in the Westmoreland Criminal Court on Thursday. They were charged following a ruling by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
A stop order was placed on them and both were ordered to surrender their travel documents. They have also been ordered to stay away from the parish of Westmoreland unless it is for a court appearance. Constable Hinds is scheduled to report to the Mandeville Police Station every Saturday while, Constable Campbell is to report to the Spanish Town Police Station every Saturday. Constable Campbell is also charged with perverting the course of justice, for allegedly threatening witnesses in the case.
Andrew Brydson, Tristan Brydson and Kingsley Green, were shot dead by members of a police team, during a reported gun battle on March 15. The incident sparked days of protests by residents, in Shrewsbury and Lacovia, who dismissed the police’s account of the incident. They claimed the men were killed in cold blood.
But in applying for bail, defence attorney, Peter Champagnie, highlighted the fact that the cops seized a high powered rifle and a handgun in the incident. The two officers are to return to court on September 12.