The seven prison officers who have been pointed out by investigating officers as the main players in the July 24 jailbreak have been given extended time as no charges were laid over the weekend.
On Friday, the T&T Guardian was informed that the main investigating officer, DCP Glen Hackett, sent an initial file to the Director of Public Prosecutions Office for further instructions. However, it is understood that the DPP gave the police further instructions on how to proceed with the case.Investigators will reportedly call on additional officers and inmates this week for further questioning.
In the interim, the guards, who are all facing suspension, have reportedly sought legal advice and could meet today with their attorneys.The T&T Guardian has been reliably informed the senior officer among the lot has over 30 years service and a clean record.A source, who wished not to be identified, said yesterday they believe this officer was being used as a scapegoat.
"We believe that the officers really responsible and who know a lot are still out there, including other senior officials and that isn't fair. Why rush down an investigation like this?"Maybe they should suspend all officers from seniors at the Port-of-Spain Prison, go down the rank and then actually begin a fair investigation where officers and inmates will be further interrogated. Then and only then will this case get somewhere," the officer said.
"First we heard that it was only a fact finding exercise, then suddenly on Saturday we read on the newspapers that seven officers will face charges. How they have gone from fact finding to actual reference for charges to be laid in just under one week for something as big and serious as this prison break, where lives were lost and the nation sent into panic mode?" the officer added.
Another officer, who also wished not to be identified, said he believes that some prison officers were being singled out because of their religious beliefs and connections."There are officers who are talking but are the investigators really taking heed or are they being influenced otherwise, maybe for revenge or because this is being allegedly seen as an opportunity to let corruption prevail?" the officer asked.
On July 24 at about 12.30 pm, Allan "Scanny" Martin, Hassan Atwell and Christopher "Monster" Selby pointed guns at prison officers on duty. Martin got the keys to the front gate, which he opened for them to run out onto Frederick Street.PC Sherman Maynard was shot as the escapees targeted the vehicle he was sitting in. He subsequently died while undergoing emergency surgery at the Port-of-Spain General Hospital. Martin was shot dead by police on the hospital's compound.
Atwell and Selby escaped but Atwell was gunned down on Saturday night at East Dry River, Port-of-Spain. On Sunday, Selby surrendered at the Barataria Police Station.