(Jamaica Observer) A Police sergeant who has been implicated in perverting the course of justice and uttering forged documents has fled the island leaving Commissioner of police Owen Ellington, wringing his hands.
The cop, identified as detective Sergeant Michael Sirjue, was the lead investigator in a multiple murder case now before the Home Circuit Court and was being investigated for fabricating evidence against the accused persons. The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions ruled yesterday that he be charged.
In a release to the media this morning Ellington sought to assure the public that the police force does not condone such practices.
“I deeply regret the development in the case involving Detective Sergeant Sirjue which if proven, would be dishonest and wrong. Against this background, I am publicly warning all members of the JCF that this practice will not be condoned, as we strongly believe that at no time should evidence be fabricated for any case. I want to reassure Jamaica that the Constabulary will work closely with the DPP to safeguard the investigative process and to maintain utmost honesty and professionalism in all investigations,” Ellington said.
The Police have contacted its overseas partners and have furnished the requisite documents to assist in the apprehension of the Detective Sergeant.
This case bears strong similarity to that of a former policeman – Carey Lyn-Sue – who admitted to the Montego Bay Resident Magistrate’s Court in January 2008 that he fabricated evidence to convict an individual charged with murder.
Interestingly, Sirjue worked at the Montego Bay CIB where he, at some stage, supervised Lyn-Sue who was sent to prison for his misdeed.
Ellington said at the time of the Lyn-Sue matter, the constabulary carried out a thorough investigation of the case files prepared by Lyn – Sue and found that there no other case was concluded on the basis of fabricated evidence.
He said the police will immediately review all cases yet to be tried where Sirjue was the investigator or a part of the investigating team to ensure the integrity of the cases.
“The Constabulary respects the rights of all persons to a fair trial, and is committed to ensuring that at all times justice is served,” he said.
