There were mixed views on the streets of Montego Bay, St James, yesterday, about the six-month sentence handed down to Constable Carey Lyn-Sue, who was convicted in the Montego Bay Resident Magistrate's Court on a charge of perverting the course of public justice.

Lyn-Sue had faced a maximum sentence of three years' imprisonment or a fine of up to $1 million.

Many residents said in light of the fact that Lyn-Sue had confessed to fabricating a statement in a murder case, he should have been shown a greater level of lenience for being open and honest with the court.

One woman, who did not wish to give her name, told The Gleaner that the sentence sent a signal that there is no reward for honesty.

"Why them send the man to jail so long? It better him never talk cause him become a Christian and do the right thing and him still gone to prison," the woman said.

Deserves Second chance

She said imposing community service or a fine would have been more appropriate.

Another woman, sales clerk Beverly Kerr, said Lyn-Sue deserved a second chance, especially since he had confessed his wrongdoing before the matter went to trial.

"I think he deserves a second chance because at least he was honest enough to admit that he did something wrong, but I don't think that six months is a bad sentence," Kerr said.

However, there were those who felt that, although the constable should be shown leniency, he deserved a custodial sentence as he had acted contrary to the law.

If he had not confessed his actions to the court, murder accused Jason James would have faced a conviction, they said.