National

“Man Files Civil Suit Against Police Commissioner”

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – A man is seeking damages for being allegedly beaten while in police custody. His attorney Seymour says they’re hoping this will catch on.

Published

3 years ago

July 21, 2023

Berthony McDermott

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – After being acquitted, a man is seeking damages for being allegedly beaten while in police custody and for malicious prosecution. His attorney Romona Farquharson Seymour says they’re hoping this will catch on and others who find themselves in similar situations will do the same and eventually bring about change.

Bradshaw Demeritte is filing a civil claim against the commissioner of police, after being acquitted of robbery. During the acquittal, it was revealed Demeritte was allegedly beaten while in police custody.

His attorney Romona Farquharson Seymour explains the civil suit is for malicious prosecution and the physical abuse while in police custody. They’re hoping to force change

Demeritte was unanimously acquitted before a jury of three men and six women.

His attorney says there was documented evidence that her client was beaten adding that two years of his life was lost due to this ordeal.

Claims of police abusing people while in custody is nothing new.

More recently a man claimed police beat his brother while at the Central Detective Unit.

National Security Minister Wayne Munroe has said he does not believe there is a culture of forcing confessions in The Bahamas.

But Farquharson Seymour doesn’t seem to agree.