Gov’t ordered to pay man shot by police
THE Government has again been ordered by the court to compensate another member of the public who was shot and injured by the police.
The Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered that the state compensate 46-year-old chef Owen McKenzie to the tune of $6 million, with interest, starting from the date the lawsuit was brought in 2000. With interest added, McKenzie stands to receive approximately $11 million.
McKenzie, a resident of Jones Town in Kingston, lost a leg stemming from the June 6, 1999 shooting. He was awarded for loss of income, future loss of income, medical expenses and special damages.
The police, following the incident, reported that a group of eight men opened fire on them in the Jones Town area, prompting them to return the fire, during which McKenzie was injured.
He was arrested and charged with illegal possession of a firearm and shooting with intent.
McKenzie, however, testified during the Gun Court trial that he was among a group of men when the police came up and opened fire in their direction.
The criminal case against McKenzie was thrown out for want of prosecution. The judge at the time said he did not believe the story put forward by the police witness who gave evidence.