Guilty verdict in Mario Deane case a win for Jamaica's rule of law - DPP

 

Despite the over-decade timeline in the Mario Deane trial, which included systemic delays, Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Paula Llewellyn says Thursday's guilty verdict is indicative of an active rule of law and a transparent justice system.

 

Ms. Llewellyn, who took issue with the lack of jurors in St. James Circuit Court, which forced the case to be moved to the Westmoreland Circuit Court in March, says the outcome demonstrates that even those in positions of power can be held to account under Jamaica's rule of law.

 

"It may have come late in the day, but I believe that the system still demonstrated that whether it is the malfeasance of soldiers, of correctional officers, the police, the system can respond even if late and provide an avenue of accountability. So it is the rule of law that is the winner in this matter, and the rule of law in Jamaica, with all its warts, with all its challenges, is alive and well and deserves your commendation. We are not a banana republic. Elsewhere, justice is swift and sometimes unfair without any due process," she suggested. 

 

The DPP was speaking at the 51st anniversary celebration for the Kiwanis Club of Spanish Town in Twickenham Park on Thursday night.

 

Corporal Elaine Stewart and District Constables Marlon Grant and Juliana Clevon were found guilty on all counts, including manslaughter and misconduct in a public office. 

 

Corporal Stewart was found guilty on an additional count of intent to pervert the course of justice. 

 

Deane died on August 6, 2014, three days after he was beaten while in custody at the Barnett Street Police lock-up.

 

He had been arrested by the police for having a ganja spliff.