Rasbert Turner, Star Writer

Two policemen who are accused of soliciting $20,000 from an illegal bar operator were each granted $300,000 bail when they appeared in the Spanish Town Resident Magistrate's Court on corruption charges last Wednesday.

They are Corporal Harold Thomas and Constable Carrington Carter of the Portmore police station in the St Catherine South division.

When they appeared before the court a bail application was made.

The court was told that the men were hard-working members of the force who would turn up to defend their innocence.

Bail was granted on condition that they report to the police station three times per week and return to court on October 27.

The allegations outlined are that on June 24, both men were on patrol in Central Village, St Catherine, when they observed a business selling alcoholic beverages without a spirit licence.

They allegedly solicited $20,000 from the operator instead of prosecuting the person.

It is further alleged that they accompanied her to an automated teller machine where $6,000 was withdrawn and given to them as part payment.

The complainant then made a report and an investigation was undertaken. The men were subsequently charged following a ruling by the director of public prosecutions.

The men were represented by attorneys-at-law Keith Bishop and Everton Graham.