Christopher Thomas, STAR Writer

WESTERN BUREAU:

The three St James policemen who allegedly took a bribe of more than $320,000 from a motorist in 2014 were given a new trial date. They are to reappear in the Montego Bay Resident Magistrate's Court on September 2.

Corporals Joseph Robinson and Robert Thomas as well as Constable Andre Small, who are charged with corruption, had been scheduled to undergo trial on Monday but were given the new date because the complainants were absent.

One complainant was not served a subpoena and the other complainant had other engagements.

Resident Magistrate Sandria Wong-Small subsequently ordered that fresh subpoenas be issued to the witnesses to get them to court on September 2.

It is alleged that on June 21 last year, at approximately 3 a.m., Robinson and Small intercepted the complainant and his girlfriend along Gloucester Avenue, Montego Bay, and conducted a search of their vehicle.

During the search, $140,000 was found in the glove compartment. The complainant was asked to provide his driver's licence and motor-vehicle documents, but he was unable to do so.

The officers allegedly asked for money in exchange for his release from charges. The complainant gave them US$1,720 (J$192,413.74). They directed the couple to an automated banking machine to get more money, but they refused.

The couple was subsequently taken to the Montego Bay Police Station where Thomas asked the male complainant for an additional $10,000. Thomas instructed him to leave his car documents and jewellery behind.

A report was made to the Anti-Corruption Branch following which Thomas was arrested. Subsequent investigations led to the arrest of Robinson and Small.