Attorney Plans Legal Action Against Barbados Police Service Over Alleged Misconduct During Arrest

An attorney said she is planning to take legal action against the Barbados Police Service after representing the handcuffed man seen in a video rife with expletives, allegedly coming from a female police officer.

It was circulated via social media over the weekend and yesterday the man at the centre of the video, Leaon Seymour Freeman, was released on $4 000 bail, after appearing on five charges.

The 30-year-old tiler of Sealy Land, Bank Hall, St Michael, is accused of assaulting Constable McKenzie Haynes, resisting him, possession of cannabis, intent to supply it and trafficking the drug. He denied the charges, all of which are alleged to have occurred on January 13, when he appeared in the District “A” Traffic Court.

Sergeant Verdon Forde had no objection to bail and Freeman is due to return to court on May 15. He was represented by Shadia Simpson, in association with Rachelle Ward.

Speaking after Freeman’s court appearance yesterday, Simpson said he had to seek medical attention for injuries and they were taking legal action against BPS.

“We are calling on the powers that be, to fully investigate this matter and to take the necessary action. Law enforcement officers in Barbados cannot be seen as above the law. They need to operate within the boundaries of the law, and when they don’t, they need to be held accountable. So we are seeking justice for my client.”

The lawyer further commented that she wanted “to make it clear, that there are very good police officers in Barbados . . . Unless these matters are properly addressed, the public will not have the sort of confidence that they should in law enforcement in Barbados.” (SD)