Man beaten by cops gets $255K compensation

A man who was allegedly beaten by two police constables in Spanish Town is set to receive $255,000 in compensation after the lawmen agreed to settle the matter in court-ordered mediation.

The officers, Paul Banbury and Jason Hunter, found themselves on the wrong side of the law following an incident on October 17, 2024, which triggered an investigation by the Independent Commission of Investigations.

Prosecutors later ruled that both constables should be charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm after evidence pointed to the complainant being repeatedly struck.

Medical reports indicated that the man suffered injuries to his thumb, jaw, and ribs during the alleged attack.

The case was brought before the St Catherine Parish Court but was later diverted to mediation, where both officers agreed to compensate the man.

Under the agreement, the $255,000 payment is to be made by September, bringing the matter to a close without a full trial.

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