The Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) wishes to advise the public that two matters were completed in the Western Region this week. One (1) of the matters ended in a conviction while the other ended in an acquittal.

Conviction

The Commission secured another conviction when a seven (7) member jury found Constable Wayne Hamil guilty of Wounding with Intent of a civilian in Hopewell Square in Hanover on March 24, 2014.  
The matter was completed today in the Trelawny Circuit Court before Justice Chester Stamp.

Background

On March 24, 2014, Cons. Wayne Hamil was on duty in the Square of Hopewell, Hanover where the complainant was operating a taxi in the same vicinity. Cons. Hamil saw the car being driven by the complainant approach the Square, stopped him, dragged him from his taxi and was about to hit the complainant with a baton when they both grabbed each other. Both men eventually fell to the ground. While on the ground, the accused shot the complainant, who was unarmed, three (3) times. The complainant was restrained by another police officer when Cons. Hamil shot him. The incident was captured on video which went viral after being posted on social media.

Following the completion of the investigation, Cons. Hamil was arrested and charged for Wounding with Intent on May 6, 2014 and taken to the Lucea RM Court to answer to the charges; he was later granted bail with conditions.

The matter started in the Lucea RM, but was transferred to the Trelawny Circuit Court. The trial began on June 27, 2016. Cons. Hamil was represented by attorneys at law, Hugh Wildman and Barbara Hines. The case was prosecuted by Crown Counsel, Kerri-Ann Gilles.  

Cons. Hamil will be sentenced on July 20, 2016.

Acquittal

In the Hanover Circuit Court Special Constable Leary McCauley was acquitted on a no case submission for Wounding with Intent before Justice Evan Brown (June 29, 2016).  It is reported that the witnesses gave inconsistent evidence.

The complainant was shot by Special Constable McCauley following a fight that emanated from a domestic dispute on September 14, 2012.

Special Constable McCauley was represented by defense counsel, Dionne Meyler. The evidence was led by Crown Counsel, Orette Brown.