April 19, 2024
Ocho Rios, St. Ann. Jamaica
THE COURTS

Councillor Bell walks free

High profile councillor in the St Ann Parish Council, Ian Bell walked out of the Linstead RM Court, St Catherine, Monday, May 18, without having to answer charges following a traffic stop and an incident with police in St Catherine, May 3. bellPolice had no statements in the court and no case was called up against Bell, councillor for Beecher Town division, who was in court with his attorney Oswest Senior Smith, Monday. When Bell’s attorney enquired it was discovered that the police had submitted no file and there was no documentation of the charges.

RM Horace Mitchell asked one of the policemen in court to go find the investigating officer but the court officer returned saying he was not available. The magistrate then instructed Mr Bell that since there was no file before the court he was free to go.

Bell had been stopped May 3, for speeding in St Catherine. It is reported that an altercation developed between him and one of the officers and Bell was later charged for speeding, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest and failure to obey a constable’s command.

Bell is chairman of Parry Town Primary School and chairman of the Council’s planning committee.