Dr. Jephtah Ford - rudolph brown/chief photographer

Ross Sheil, Staff Reporter

Prominent medical doctor, Jephtah Ford, who is known for providing free treatment to members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), was yesterday placed on 24-hour observation at the Kingston Public Hospital (KPH) after being allegedly beaten by three police officers early Monday morning.

Dr. Ford was listed in a serious but stable condition.

He had reportedly intervened in a between police and his sister, Andrea Ford, about 4:00 a.m., at his Fun Citi venue in Port Henderson, Portmore, which was hosting the 'Wet, Wet' Party on Sunday night.

Standing outside the KPH late yesterday morning, Ms. Ford, who manages Fun Citi on behalf of her brother, had received treatment to a cut to her face and right elbow,7 while her left upper arm was heavily bruised. Her shirt, pants and white sneakers smattered with blood; she was visibly shaken and too distraught to talk.

Dr. Ford's lawyer, Marjorie Shaw-Currie said the family were yet to decide on a course of action.

Drew licensed firearm

Mrs. Shaw-Currie said she understood that Andrea was prevented from entering the venue by the police who were working as security guards for the promoters of 'Wet, Wet'. The guards apparently thought she was unfairly trying to get free admission for people into the event.

Dr. Ford intervened and drew his licensed firearm in defence of his sister, said his lawyer. However, when the men identified themselves as police officers, he replaced the firearm in its holster. They then took it and began to beat him.

He was reportedly handcuffed twice and driven to the Greater Portmore Police Station where he was again beaten.

"The nature of the beatings suggest there was an intent to do him grievous bodily harm," said Mrs. Shaw-Currie.

Charges laid

She said that she had been contacted by the station just before 5:00 p.m. yesterday and told Dr. Ford had been charged with assault at common law and illegal possession of firearm and ammunition. She said the station also told her that the charges were laid at 5:00 a.m., but this suggests a discrepancy since there was no police guard on Dr. Ford.

He and his sister had been taken by relatives to KPH in the morning from where he was taken to the University Hospital of the West Indies for an X-ray. He was then transferred back to KPH.

Relatives expressed shock at the treatment meted out to Dr. Ford; with several relatives themselves members of the JCF and his father a former policeman. Sharing a medical practice with his twin brother Japheth, located on Red Hills Road, St. Andrew, they are popular practitioners; the brothers working 12-hour shifts back to back against each other, sometimes treating for free, those who cannot afford to pay.

The JCF's Director of Communi-cations, Karl Angell, said the incident was under investigation by the Criminal Investigations Branch (CIB). Efforts to gain further information from police were unsuccessful.

Dr. Ford is a former two-time People's National Party (PNP) candidate for North Western St. Andrew, a constituency held by Opposition Spokesman on National Security, Derrick Smith.

ross.sheil@gleanerjm.com