Police probe dramatic incident at hospital

André Williams, STAR Writer

What was intended to be a normal hospital visit resulted in a probe being launched into an alleged assault by a security guard. The security guard is accused of 'roughing up' an attorney, after accusing her of taking her picture without authorisation.

THE STAR understands that the lawyer was allegedly punched and collared by the female guard who was determined to have the attorney delete the image from her device.

The attorney, Ester Reid, told our news team what led to the altercation.

"I went by the hospital to collect my deceased aunt's belongings. As I opened my bag, her hands were in my bag. I had money loose in my bag, so I told her. She seh why mi can't search yuh bag? You nah go pan di ward? She repeated it ... . Other persons came, she dealt with them and let them go on the ward. I took out my stuff and asked her to search and she said 'Gyal, mi say you nah go pan di ward'."

The attorney said she placed her belongings back in her bag and immediately took a picture of the area.

Attack

"Then I hear somebody say 'You nuh see the gyal tek your picture!' ... . I continued walking, then after my sixth step, I felt a grab that turned me around. She punched me on my left shoulder," said the attorney. She added that another security personnel had to assist in taking the angry guard off her, before she was attacked again.

The attorney said: "The other guard was telling her mind she get into trouble. She came after me again and grab me up. She grabbed my jacket right up to my neck and demanded that I delete her picture or 'mi nah lef' ya so'."

THE STAR was told that during the tug and pull, the attorney's phone fell and it was recovered by one of the guards. After a brief moment of resistance, the phone was returned, following which a report was made to the police.

Security supervisor at the hospital last night said they were unaware of the incident and insisted our news team check back during the day.

Police confirmed that a report was made to them and an investigation is under way.