The Tribune

By SANCHESKA BROWN

Tribune Staff Reporter

sbrown@tribunemedia.net

FORMER Assistant Commissioner Paul Thompson defended Commissioner of Police Ellison Greenslade yesterday, after it was alleged that police failed to show up to an incident involving Deputy House Speaker Dion Smith.

In a document filed with the Supreme Court, a security guard alleges he was involved in an incident with Deputy Speaker Smith and called the police, but there was no response.

He also claimed that Mr Smith placed a call to Commissioner Greenslade.

The document alleged that after Mr Smith was unable to open the gate of the building where he lives, and was told his name was on a list of people who security was prohibited from helping, the MP entered the security booth and attempted to open the gate himself, while the security guard tried to block his way.

“MP Dion Smith had a cup with drink in his hand and was still trying to open the gate. He was standing very close to me and some of the drink spilled on me, I then moved and tried to stop him from opening the gate.

“Derrick, who was with him most of the time, came in and assaulted me, which also resulted in him popping my tie and button off my shirt. MP Dion Smith then told Derrick to let me go, but still tried to get at me so I moved from the gate control and began calling the police.

“At that time when I picked up the phone to call the police, MP Dion Smith made a comment to say that he knows Commissioner Greenslade and dialed the number on his phone and I heard him say Commissioner Greenslade, this is Dion Smith, if you get this message, give me a call, it’s urgent!’” and he hung up the phone.

“While I was still on the phone with the police, he was able to gain access to the gate control and opened the gate himself. The police never arrived.”

Yesterday, Mr Thompson said he has faith in the Commissioner and his team, notwithstanding the claim that officers never responded to the security guard’s call.

“We don’t know if he actually called the Commissioner, we don’t know if he actually called him. There are a lot of complaints that go to the police and they don’t show up,” Mr Thompson said.

“I know him and have faith in him,” Mr Thompson said.

Calls to Commissioner Greenslade for comment were not returned up to press time yesterday.