394 / 494
393
(ii)
Absence of Cordons
11.104.
The plans of the security forces included the establishment of
cordons within the area of operation. An inner cordon should have embraced
the boundaries of Tivoli Gardens; an outer cordon should have spanned the
boundaries of the larger area of operation. DCP Hinds spoke to the purposes of
these cordons:
“To prevent persons from escaping from the area of
operation and to also prevent persons with ill-intent from
going to support persons in the inner cordon.”
11.105.
On 24 May, these cordons were not established. The escape of
Coke and gunmen was rendered less difficult than otherwise might have been
the case if the cordons were in place. DCP Hinds was of opinion that the failure
to establish cordons might have been a factor that facilitated Coke’s escape.
DCP Hinds attributed the delay in setting up cordons to the killing of Pte. Green
but this opinion was doubted by Maj. Henry.
11.106.
However, the JDF and JCF commanders agreed that, given the
extent of hostilities on 24 May, establishing the planned cordons would have
exposed the security forces detailed to establish cordons, to unnecessary and
serious risks of injury or fatalities.
FINDING
11.107.
We respect the reasons given for not establishing cordons
and find that there was no dereliction of duty in failing to establish the
cordons.