Prisoner takes control of court compound in hour-long stand-off

A prisoner taunted a police rank to shoot him during unrest between prisoners and police officers Tuesday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

The episode lasted for approximately an hour, during which persons were prevented from entering or exiting the court compound. The ordeal attracted a sizable crowd of spectators. The drama unfolded as three murder accused Orin Arthur, Yori Varswyk and Steven Prescott were being escorted out of the prisoners’ van. Police ranks struggled to control Arthur as the prisoner demanded to speak with his attorney. An outraged Arthur flung off his loose handcuffs. The prisoner reportedly threw away two other handcuffs. The handcuffs landed in the compound of the St. Andrew’s Kirk, situated across the road from the courthouse. A passerby went to retrieve the handcuffs. A few minutes later, a heated argument broke out between Arthur and a police constable who was armed with a high-powered rifle. From all indications, the prisoners had refused to be placed inside the holding area, where other prisoners stood. Efforts made by police ranks to place the men in confinement proved futile as they were seen sitting and walking about in an area in the Police Outpost where female prisoners and juveniles are kept. The rank, who appeared agitated, was seen pointing his weapon at Arthur who was standing behind grillwork in the Police Outpost. Arthur continued his tirade as he demanded the armed police rank to shoot at him. A series of expletives were used. Another rank subsequently requested observers, including reporters, to “clear” the stairway. As a result, persons proceeded onto the balcony on the upper flat of the courthouse where they continued viewing the commotion. An Assistant Superintendent of Police was heard shouting “reporters please go in court”, as another police rank threatened to arrest a reporter who remained on the stairs. Meanwhile, Prescott requested to speak with media operatives, while Arthur was seen talking with an attorney. Eventually the prisoners calmed down and were escorted back to the Camp Street prison. (Kaieteurnews.com)