Police Constable Acquitted in Kingston Wounding Case Following No-Case Submission

Kingston, Jamaica: Police Constable Acquitted – On Monday, Police Constable Kemmar Hutchinson, 35, was acquitted by the Half Way Tree Parish Court of charges stemming from a 2021 incident involving the alleged unlawful wounding of a man in the Love Lane/Charles Street area.

Hutchinson faced charges of unlawful wounding and making a false declaration, as per Section 33 of the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) Act. These charges related to an altercation that occurred on February 28, 2021, where Hutchinson, while on duty with another officer, encountered Chad Stewart acting suspiciously in the area.

According to court documents, Hutchinson and his colleague were patrolling in a service vehicle when they observed Stewart, who appeared to be behaving suspiciously. When commanded to stop, Stewart allegedly ignored the officers and attempted to escape. Hutchinson reported that Stewart drew a firearm and pointed it at him, prompting him to discharge his weapon in self-defense.

During the trial, the prosecution presented CCTV footage that captured part of the encounter, aiming to establish Hutchinson’s culpability. However, Hutchinson’s defense attorneys, Peter Champagnie KC and Samoi Campbell, filed a no-case submission, contending that the footage failed to depict critical moments of the incident, which were essential to understanding Hutchinson’s actions.

The defense argued that the incomplete footage did not provide a comprehensive view of the altercation and therefore, could not conclusively prove Hutchinson’s guilt. Furthermore, it was revealed that Stewart, the complainant, was charged with illegal possession of a firearm and assault following the recovery of a weapon from him during the incident. Reports also indicated that Stewart had an outstanding warrant at the time.

In light of these arguments, the court upheld the no-case submission, leading to Hutchinson’s acquittal. The decision highlights the complexities involved in evaluating evidence in cases of alleged police misconduct and self-defense claims.

As the proceedings concluded, Hutchinson expressed relief at the verdict, underscoring his commitment to lawful conduct and safety in his duties as a police officer.

This case underscores the importance of thorough and accurate evidence in judicial proceedings, particularly in matters involving law enforcement and public safety.

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