Chief Magistrate recuses self from matter involving senior police rank

Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan has recused herself from hearing a matter in which Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Frank Thompson is accused of using abusive language to his subordinate. The Chief Magistrate did not gave a reason for doing so but transferred the matter to Senior Magistrate Fabayo Azore who set July 25, for the commencement of the trial.

Police Prosecutor Stephen Telford disclosed that the case file is complete and that he intends to call six witnesses.

It is alleged that on February 22 at Broad Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, ASP Thompson used abusive language against Police Constable Leandre Gillis.

It was further alleged that on the same day, ASP Thompson made use of threatening language towards Harrychan Budhai.

In relation to this charge, the court was informed by the prosecutor that Budhai did not wish to proceed with the matter. Budhai was summoned to attend court on Thursday when he will relate his course of action.

The senior police rank of 154 Back Street, Stewartville, West Coast Demerara has been released on a total of $120,000 bail—$60,000 bail on each of the two chargesafter pleading not guilty. According to reports, on the day in question, Constable Gillis was on patrol duties at Broad Street, Charlestown when he was stopped by Harrychan Budhai, who reported to him that ASP Thompson’s vehicle had crashed into his vehicle which at the time had occupants.

Constable Gillis then accompanied Budhai to the scene. It is alleged that ASP Thompson upon seeing Budhai approaching him started to use a series of indecent expressions towards him.

He reportedly threatened to kill the man and the other occupants in the vehicle.

The court further heard that after Constable Gillis told Thompson of the allegation made by Budhai, Thompson then asked the junior rank, “What the (expletive) gon’ do about it?”

According to reports, when being questioned by the junior rank with regard to the accident in which he was involved, the senior rank, who appeared to be intoxicated, apparently became abusive toward Budhai and the Police Constable.

The ASP, who was subsequently requested by the junior rank to drive to the nearest police station, turned to the junior rank, who found himself at the end of the ASP’s verbal onslaught. “You know me? Eh? Find out ‘bout me. If me had it me way, you won’t be a (expletive) recruit…Find out’ bout me. Call ‘A’ Division.

I would murder you (expletive) on the ground hey”, he allegedly exclaimed.

In a video of the episode that was circulated on social media, the junior rank was heard pleading with the senior rank to curb his behaviour; however, he continued.

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(Kaieteur news)