Court orders release of businessman accused of posting partner’s intimate photos online.

A St Catherine Parish Court judge ordered a businessman accused of circulating intimate photos of his partner online released from police custody after authorities failed to press charges within 48 hours.

Attorney Mathew Simms made a successful application for his client before the senior Parish judge, Desiree Alleyne, on Wednesday, March 26, 2024.

Senior Parish Court Judge Desiree Alleyne was informed that the suspect had been taken into custody on Sunday, March 24, 2024, and had remained detained for more than 48 hours.

Simms explained to the court that according to section 5(4) of the Bail Act, his client should have been charged or released as the offense did not fall under the First Schedule of the Act.

He emphasized that his client had endured emotional and financial distress during the period of custody while the police had not taken decisive action.

The judge had a dialogue with the clerk of courts, after which he ordered the businessman’s release.

The court was informed that the businessman had allegedly circulated intimate photographs of his partner online.

A report had been made to the police in St Catherine, leading to the arrest of the businessman on suspicion of engaging in malicious communication, a breach of the Cybercrimes Act.

Tragic Incident: Fatality on Windward Road Leads to Suspect’s Arrest.

One man is currently in police custody following a vehicular collision on Windward Road, Kingston 2, on Thursday, March 28. This incident tragically resulted in the death of a pedestrian, identified as Terrence Reddink of Noswad Road, Kingston 2.

According to reports, the collision occurred around 9:30 p.m. when a motor vehicle struck Reddink as he was crossing the street. Law enforcement promptly arrived at the scene, and Reddink was swiftly transported to the hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

The police have apprehended the driver of the motor vehicle and are presently in custody as investigations are underway.

JCF embraces gender-neutral language in ranking references.

The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) has made a significant announcement regarding abolishing gender-specific titles within its ranks.

Going forward, the JCF will use the title ‘Constable’ for all its members, eliminating distinctions based on gender. This move is a symbolic and progressive step in the force’s transformation.

The decision, outlined in the most recent Force Orders and attributed to the new Commissioner of Police, Dr Kevin Blake, is described as a pivotal moment for the JCF.

The force believes this directive represents more than just an administrative change; it signifies a fundamental shift in cultural dynamics, underlining all officers’ equal valor and capability irrespective of gender.

This development is particularly timely as the JCF commemorates 75 years since women joined the police force. The decision to replace titles like ‘Woman Constable’ with ‘Constable’ is not merely a terminological update; it is a sincere acknowledgment of the dedicated service and sacrifices made by JCF members.

This policy celebrates the invaluable contributions of women in the force and reinforces an inclusive environment where emphasis is placed on professionalism over personal attributes.

Moreover, the JCF highlights that this policy aligns the force with global best practices in law enforcement, promoting a standard where effectiveness is measured by competence and integrity rather than gender.

By taking this stance, the JCF is sending a clear message to society that roles and responsibilities in security and service are not defined by gender but by shared humanity.