Alleged baton-sodomised man sues State for GUY$80 million in damages

Last Updated on Saturday, 26 December 2015, 20:59 by GxMedia

The man, who was allegedly sodomised with a condom-covered baton while in police custody, has moved to the High Court claiming GUY$80.4 million in damages from the State for torture and the breach of other constitutional rights.

Colwyn Harding has also taken Constables 201411 T. Thomas and 19175 Devin Singh to the High Court to seek  damages in excess of GUY$100,000 for alleged assault and battery they allegedly committed on him between November 14 and 22 at Timehri, East Bank Demerara.

Harding was allegedly beaten and the baton inserted into his anus at the Timehri Police Station between November 18 and December 24,2013 during an investigation into an alleged theft.

Harding’s move to the court has come even as Harding waits the charging of the policemen who allegedly participated in the act against Harding.

The writ was taken out on March 21,2013 by Harding’s lawyer, Nigel Hughes.

Harding wants the State, through its defendant Attorney General Anil Nandlall, to award him more than GUY$80 million in damages for breach of his fundamental right to protection from torture and or inhuman and degrading treatment as guaranteed by the constitution.

Through his lawyer, Harding is also demanding in excess of GUY$100,000 each for breach of his protected fundamental rights to protection from inhuman treatment, arbitrary search of his person and personal liberty.

He is also claiming more than GUY$100,000 in damages for torture and other inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment in violation of Guyana’s constitution and the Convention Against Torture.

The alleged incident has attracted local, regional and international attention. Files from the investigations have been shuttling back and forth among the Guyana Police Force’s Office of Professional Responsibility, Director of Public Prosecutions Chambers and the Police Complaints Authority.