ACP Justin Felice

Harsh. That was how Pastor Glendon Powell, superintendent for the Cornwall Division of the Open Bible Churches, yesterday described Constable Carey Lyn-Sue's six-month sentence.

Lyn-Sue was sentenced for perverting the course of public justice, arising from an incident in which he fabricated a statement in a murder trial.

Deter others

Powell said such a sentence would deter other police personnel who may have fabricated witnesses and statements, from coming clean about their wrongdoing.

"We are not saying he (Lyn-Sue) should not be punished, but he has said that he has come into a relationship with God and, when this happens, people tend to want to testify about the things they have done wrong," Powell said.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Justin Felice, in charge of the Anti-Corruption Unit, said he respected the decision of the court to impose a custodial sentence, but commended the constable for having been honest with the court. He said on that account, some lenience should be shown.

Appealing for info

"What Lyn-Sue was going to do is extremely, extremely wrong and could not be forgiven," Felice said. "But, because the officer decided to do the right thing after he saw the light, there must be some leniency shown to him."

Felice is also appealing to persons, within and outside of the force, who have information about any corrupt or dishonest practices within the force, to come forward.

He said some police officers have already come forward with information, as they, too, are frustrated with the behaviour of some of their colleagues.

At least 30 police officers have been arrested and charged since the start of the year. Twelve faced the Montego Bay Resident Magistrate's Court, including a corporal and a sergeant, for charges including larceny, kidnapping, robbery with aggravation and assault occasioning bodily harm.

In March, 31-year-old constable Rahul Khourie, who was attached to the Area One Flying Squad, was sentenced in the Western Regional Gun Court to 15 years in prison for illegal possession of a firearm.