GEB police called out

GUARD and Emergency Branch (GEB) officers were called out to quell what appeared to be a near riot among prisoners in the cell block inside the San Fernando Magistrates’ Court yesterday in which three police officers were injured.

The unrest broke out after deputy Chief Magistrate Mark Wellington was forced to adjourn the prisoners’ cases when another prisoner broke down the door of the Holding Bay inside the courtroom.

The drama unfolded around 10.35 am, after a 25-year-old prisoner charged with robbery and drug related offences, appeared before Magistrate Wellington in the First Police Court. The magistrate declined a request by the prisoner to alter his bail.

The prisoner also urged the magistrate to start his case for robbery with violence. The prisoner at the time, was standing outside the cell in front the magistrate. According to the report, the prisoner cursed magistrate Wellington and three policemen held on to him, but he pulled away from them.

The report stated the cops pushed the prisoner inside the cell. However, while the officers were locking the door, the prisoner reportedly kicked it open, striking PC Kenneth Laldeo in the face and chest.

PCs Breedy and Nanlal grabbed the prisoner and took him down the staircase leading to the cell block. Before Magistrate Wellington left the courtroom, he informed police prosecutor Sgt Joey Samaroo, that all the other cases will be adjourned.

The police report further stated that prisoners in the cell block attacked the prisoner who kicked down the door. The situation got out of control with the prisoners also attacking each other. When the policemen intervened, PCs Nanlal and Breedy were kicked and cuffed in their head, face and chest. Officers of the Guard and Emergency Branch responded and the situation was brought under control.

Police sources said the prisoner would be charged with malicious damage to public property. The other prisoners are likely to face assault charges.