The Tribune

By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net AN emergency medical technician yesterday recalled how she tended to a father-of-six on the morning after he was allegedly beaten by two police officers. Terez Albrice, a Public Hospital Authority EMT, was appearing for the prosecution at the trial of Cpl Donovan Gardiner and Constable Tavares Bowleg. Gardiner and Bowleg are charged in connection with the death of 28-year-old Desmond Key. It is alleged the pair beat Mr Key, who died six months after the incident. During yesterday's trial at the Supreme Court, Ms Albrice said that on the morning of June 18, 2007, she arrived at the Grove Police Station to attend to Mr Key. She said she had received a call indicating an emergency at the police station concerning a detained suspect complaining of abdominal pains and vomiting blood. Ms Albrice said after she documented the call, she and a colleague went to the station. Upon arriving, they spoke with officers at the front desk before being escorted to the cell block where the complainant was waiting. The EMT noted that the floor had "a lot water" and proceed cautiously until reaching his cell and, standing at the cell door, observing him seated on the bench. "I asked him his name and his complaint," she said, and after receiving a response, "I went into the cell and saw some traces of blood in the water." After assisting him on to a stretch bed, she examined his vitals and then examined his abdomen which she said, claimed to be his greatest concern. When he was placed in the ambulance, she performed another check on Mr Key and though his vitals were fine, she said he constantly complained of abdominal and chest pain. "I didn't feel comfortable with the way he looked." When they - Ms Albrice, her colleague, Mr Key and a police officer - arrived at the Princess Margaret Hospital, a physician examined Mr Key. She said she had no further involvement. In cross-examination, defence attorney Wayne Munroe asked the witness if the cell smelled of vomit. She replied "no sir". She said Mr Key never made complaints about being beaten by police. The trial resumes today at 10am.