Rasbert Turner, STAR Writer

Spanish Town

A policeman who allegedly tried to get money from a man in custody by telling him that there is a stronger charge against him, was granted $500,000 bail in the Spanish Town RM Court.

The Court was informed that detective Constable Christopher Royal of the Greater Portmore Police Station (100 man) allegedly told a prisoner on an assault charge, that he will be charged with robbery with aggravation.

It was further outlined that the policeman informed the suspect that if he gets $70,000 the charges will be dropped, and that he should contact relatives to provide the money.

It is alleged also that a relative of the man in custody made a report to the Office of Professional Responsibilities and last week Thursday a sting operation was set up at the Greater Portmore Mall where Royal was held with $6,000 from the relative.

He was taken into custody and a file prepared and sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions who ruled on Tuesday that Royal be charged.

When Royal appeared before RM Sharon George, his attorney Alicia Grant, said her client was not guilty and that the crown's case is at best incomplete.

Bail was granted on condition that Royal reports to the Spanish Town Police Station three times weekly and he is also to surrender his travelling documents.

Royal has also been charged with illegal possession of ammunition as at the time of his arrest, it is alleged he had 20 extra rounds that were not issued to him by his commanders. The lawyer said that a friend of Mr Royal's had given him the rounds to keep. He will return to court on April 2.