Attorney demands answers after inmate stabbed in police lock-up

A DEFENCE attorney whose client is now battling for life after being stabbed while in custody at the Kingston Central police lock-up is seeking answers to inefficiencies in the judicial system.

Attorney-at-law Chad Lawrence said that he has been instructed by the family of 24-year-old Junior Curry to seek justice after he was reportedly stabbed in the abdomen.

“Regardless of this gentleman being charged with an offence and being in custody, he still has a right to safety and protection while in custody and while under the Government’s care,” Lawrence told The Gleaner.

Curry, who was charged with illegal possession of firearm and ammunition, pleaded guilty, had his bail revoked by the court, and was awaiting sentencing, The Gleaner understands.

The stabbing occurred on April 23. Curry has been placed in the intensive care unit and “has lost a dangerous amount of blood”, his lawyer said.

Lawrence said his concerns rest with the security breach.

“It’s deeply concerning that contraband are in these lock-ups and in these prisons and there are inmates who have these contraband and are able to use it,” said Lawrence.

Sentencing initially scheduled for March 10 has been put off several times because of displacement caused by COVID-19.

Curry was scheduled to undergo a second surgery on Monday.

When contacted, head of the Kingston Central Police Division, Superintendent Maldria Jones, declined to shed light on the incident.

Jones said that she could not provide any information.