Ex-cop absolved of killing bandit

Retired constable Douglas Foster testified that on October 7, 2003, at 2.40 pm, he saw the deceased, Karltus Castillo, struggling with ASP Irvin Phillip on a pavement at Eastern Main Road, San Juan. At the time, Castillo had a silver gun in his right hand. According to Foster, he immediately drew his personal firearm and went to the assistance of ASP Phillip.

Foster said, "It was while attempting to rescue ASP Phillip, Castillo was shot in the left side of his face." The deceased was reportedly pronounced dead on arrival at the Port-of-Spain General Hospital.

Israel Khan SC and attorney Ulric Skerritt represented Foster. Khan pointed out that Castillo was robbing ASP Phillip of his black pouch which contained $900, when he was shot dead.

In reviewing the evidence and other statements filed, Mc Nicolls found that there was no reason to suspect that anyone had committed an indictable offence.

He added that the death was due to a single gunshot wound to the left side of the face, and he was of the opinion that Foster did not commit a criminal offence. The conduct of another officer, PC James, had also come into question arising out of the same incident. Reports state that James was also present when the shooting occurred. Both men were exonerated by Mc Nicolls.