Attorney Hugh Thompson appeared before the court Thursday morning, only to inform the judge that he was unaware of his client’s whereabouts. Thompson, who had intended to present a bail application for his client Phillip Scott, expressed deep concern over the situation.
“It’s alarming that I don’t know where the prisoner is,” he told Supreme Court Judge Justice Leighton Pusey, voicing his discomfort about potentially having to explain the uncertainty to Scott’s family. “I respect the justice system but to tell my clients that the court doesn’t know where he is—that’s not something I want to do,” he added.
As reported by the Jamaica Gleaner, a bench warrant was issued by Justice Pusey to expedite the search for Phillip Scott, an accused St. Catherine gangster who, despite being in custody, cannot be located.
Pointing to the most likely reason for the missing inmate, Justice Pusey made note of the challenges the police face, including being under-resourced, and expressed frustration at the situation. While emphasizing that the court itself could not be blamed, he noted that the police’s inability to provide answers was troubling.
“The court knowing is not very important; the police knowing would be very helpful,” Justice Pusey remarked, pointing out that many police stations remain outdated and ill-equipped. Despite his criticisms, he highlighted that the issue was a matter of resources, which have been limited for years, especially in high-crime areas like western Kingston.
