Police Complaints Authority nearly finished with Harding file

Chairman of the Police Complaints Authority (PCA), retired chancellor of the judiciary Cecil Kennard says he should be finished with the file on the Colwyn Harding baton sodomy matter by tomorrow the latest.

Stabroek News has since learnt from multiple sources close to the case that criminal charges in relation to the sodomy are unlikely as there is a lack of evidence to substantiate such an allegation.

Contacted yesterday Kennard told Stabroek News that he is “finishing off” his perusal of the file. The file was sent to him by the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) over a week ago. However, he had to send it back with a request for some additional information. The file, which consists of 40 statements and the requested information, was only returned to him last Thursday.

Kennard told this newspaper yesterday that he should complete his work today and by Wednesday the file should be at the office of the Crime Chief. He explained that it is the crime chief who has to then take the file to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). Kennard after his perusal of the file is to include his recommendations as it relates to criminal and disciplinary charges.

A source close to the case said that what is in the file relates to five or six of the ranks from the Timehri Police Station including the constable accused of pushing a condom covered baton up Harding’s anus last November.

The source said it was unlikely that criminal charges would be filed against the constable because of a lack of medical evidence to support sodomy. It was explained that the man was not examined until sometime last month by which time most of the evidence required would have already disappeared. “There is a lack of evidence so I am doubtful that there would be any criminal charges in relation to that,” the source stressed.

However, the sources said there would be criminal charges in relation to assault with respect to the severe beating Harding endured while in custody. It was noted too that there would definitely be some departmental charges against the ranks.

At the moment, Harding, a 23-year-old father of one is in Jamaica where he was flown for additional medical care for damage to his intestines.

While doctors at the Georgetown Public Hospi-tal had said that Harding was being treated for a hernia, it has been suggested that damage was caused to his intestines as a result of the sexual assault and/or the beatings he allegedly suffered at the hands of ranks.

Ranks of the Timehri Police Station were transferred and the constable at the centre of the allegation placed under close arrest. With almost a month gone since police took a serious interest in the allegation, it is unclear where the constable is.