Police probe claims of assault on carpenter by ranks …in response to KN article
The story of 29-year-old Queenstown, Essequibo Coast resident Narad Junior Courtman, being allegedly assaulted by police last week Wednesday, was carried in this publication yesterday, and police have since responded in a statement.
“The Guyana Police Force is responding to an article in today’s Kaieteur News under the caption “Essequibo Carpenter allegedly beaten by police…now threatens to press charges.” Please be advised that a thorough investigation has already been done in this matter and the report submitted for legal advice.”
Courtman, in relating to this publication what allegedly transpired between himself and police, had stated that himself and three friends were drinking at a wash bay in Queenstown, shortly before midnight, when were approached by ranks in a mobile patrol vehicle, who searched and told them to leave the wash bay and go home. Courtman claims that he left the wash bay as ordered by the police, but he soon returned to pick up his phone, which he had forgotten.
The man claims that upon returning, he was confronted by the same police patrol, and was severely beaten.
“One of the police (men) jump out of the vehicle and start slapping and cuffing me up and saying, ‘Like you ain’t hear to go home.’ I said I came back for my phone and the police still hitting me, so we ended up in a scuffle on the ground.
“Two other officers jump out of the vehicle with a gun and a wooden baton and started to lash me about my body and my legs.”
Courtman said that he was then taken to the Anna Regina Police Station, where the police attempted to take a statement from him. He said that the brutality continued even at the police station. The man reported that he was dragged into the station by police, because he was unable to stand.
He further explained, “When I reach there they told me to get out the vehicle but I couldn’t, because my leg was already broken. They beat me again because I told them I could not walk, so they decide to drag me in the station… They tell me get up and walk to the lockup, but I couldn’t stand, so I fall to the ground. When I tried to stand up, only a female officer said they should take me to the hospital”.
Courtman said that none of the police officers attempted to assist him into a vehicle, except for one young officer.
“An x-ray examination done by doctors at the Suddie Public Hospital revealed that my knee was dislocated.”
Courtman also claims that a female officer was telling the doctor that he sustained his injuries because he jumped out of the vehicle.
The man was later transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he is awaiting surgery
When contacted on Wednesday last, Courtman said he had just come out of surgery for the injuries that he had received to his foot, and he was advised by doctors that he will not be able to use that foot for a few months to come.