Judge orders State to pay damages

A High Court judge has ordered that damages be assessed for the wrongful arrest of a Moruga man for marijuana but who was charged with behaving in a drunk and disorderly manner.

On May 18, 2012, Dexter Williams and his friend Kareem Henry, left the home of a friend at 11.30 pm in Sixth Company, New Grant and were walking to their respective homes.

In a lawsuit filed in the San Fernando High Court, Williams contended that upon reaching New Grant junction, a police vehicle stopped alongside them. An officer arrested Williams and he was placed in the tray of the police vehicle. Williams was handcuffed to the tray without any seats or seatbelts.

He was taken in the police vehicle for a joy ride for three hours. He was then taken to a police station where he was charged some seven hours later. Justice James who heard Williams’ case against the State, ruled that Williams was charged with drunk and disorderly conduct. However, there was no evidence that he was drunk and his actions, even when considered on the evidence from police, did not amount to such conduct.

The State defended Williams’ lawsuit for malicious prosecution. Aboud on Monday ruled there was no good reason for detaining Williams. He ordered the State to pay him damages for wrongful arrest and false imprisonment for ten hours. The judge further ordered damages for malicious prosecution. They are to pay his legal cost as well, plus interest.

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